Gophers Game Thread

[max_cool]

oh man oh man oh man. I'm gonna die

[Kevin]

come on... come on...

it's blocked. game over.

[gwendel]

Field goal blocked. Minnesota prevails.

[NoDakSt]

wow

uff-da

what a finale

[Kevin]

Good game, guys. Nothing to be ashamed of there.

Let's look forward to next week.

[GoBears]

nuts! Good game Bison, you made 1AA proud anyways

[gwendel]

Good effort, Bison!

We're proud of you.

Loudest cheers are for the Bison as they come off the field.

Standing ovation for the Bison.

[max_cool]

argh!

well, we showed that we can play with MN on the road, I have no doubt that were this a homegame (however unlikely) NDSU would have won

[kchats]

Damn It. The Bison should have won that game. NDSU was clearly the better team. Damn it. Great effort Bison you had them.

[max_cool]

Good game Bison!

[NoDakSt]

Way to go GREEN!!!!!

[Kevin]

I feel for the guys. That really sucks. The important thing is we gained some respect and made it out of the game healthy.

[JackJD]

As disappointing it is to lose, you gotta be proud of the Bison. Nice job.

[BisonInTexas]

Thanks team for showing your Bison Pride. I know it still hurts, but you made a lot of people proud (including yours truly) today.

Craig

[Air_Force_One]

This Sioux fan says Great Game Bison! You did yourselves proud!

[gwendel]

Announcers are really happy.

Relieved that they can talk about the moral victory for NDSU.

Know they need to cater to the ND audience a little. After all, 40% of this ND audience is probably from MN.

Praising MN because they did what they needed to get the win.

Color announcer: "Bison quite possibly should have won this game."

Quickly shut off by lead announcer.

[kchats]

I sure wish we could have punched one of those into the endzone to get more points. It was a great effort and I still believe the Bison are the better of these two teams. Minnesota might have a little better athletes but NDSU is the better team. I think the turnovers were caused by some of the athletic superiority of the Gophers.

[gwendel]

Color announcer still thinks Bison can make the I-AA playoffs even though lead announcer told him they are not eligible.

[MinotBison]

We'll get' em next year. NO DOUBT.

[kchats]

Coach Mason spent alot of time talking to Steve Walker. I think he liked Walker and tape and even more after coaching against him. Walker is a great leader and QB.

[SUILB#28]

I don't really believe in moral victories and I'm sure not many do, but I am so damn proud of those guys I can't even explain it. The heart and character they showed is a testament to them, the coaches, and the entire program. Something to remember, but lets get the conference.

[kchats]

Minnesota offensive coordinator is saying it was more what Minnesota didn't do than what NDSU did. He did say NDSU outplayed them and I believe he even admitted they were outcoached.

[Scooter]

Someone explain to me how this is the second best defense in the Great West???

Wow... Bison D, you did us all proud!!!

[kchats]

Minnesota offensive coordinator said he hopes his players and coaches learn from NDSU and play like NDSU at Ohio State to give them a chance.

[silkamilkamonico]

Minnesota offensive coordinator is saying it was more what Minnesota didn't do than what NDSU did. *He did say NDSU outplayed them and I believe he even admitted they were outcoached.


I saw that.

Funny how he didn't bother mentioning NDSU's TD that was called back, or missed FG earlier as well.

[kchats]

Cal-Poly has a good defense too. Bison defense is great and should be better next year.

[gwendel]

Coach Mason didn't talk, but offensive coordinator Mitch Browning had a great deal of respect for the Bison, and said,
"Hopefully we can play as well next week as NDSU did against us this week."

Announcers STILL call NDSU the INFERIOR team.

Praise for Bison stepping up against a SUPERIOR team. Oh, I see.

[gwendel]

Pinnix held to 97 yards.

Steffes gets 136.

[Scooter]

Cal-Poly has a good defense too. *Bison defense is great and should be better next year.

Yes, we know they do because of all the orgasms that the Great West reporters have every time they mention Cal Poly.

Look for another year where NDSU has numberous players second team all conference. ::)

[kchats]

Bison had 381 total offensive yards with Steve Walker passing 22-37 for 236 yards and an interception; Kyle Steffes ran for 136 yards and Heckendorf caught 8 passes for 97 yards.

Minnesota had 267 yards and Pinnick ran for 97 yards with Cupito passing for 149.

Two turnovers and not scoring TD's in the red zone.

[gwendel]

Steffes: "Still hard. Came into this game. We felt like we could win this game."

"Keepin' it close. MN played a great game."

"Coaches told us it would come down to a close game."

Marty Morneau says NDSU won every category except the score.

[kchats]

The desk guys for Gohpers live said they love Steve Walker and that he is a legitimate big time QB that made good decisions and great throws and lead his team to what should have been a victory.

[silkamilkamonico]

The desk guys for Gohpers live said they love Steve Walker and that he is a legitimate big time QB that made good decisions and great throws and lead his team to what should have been a victory.


Yes. Great comments for Walker all the way around.

And he will be around for one more year!

:)

[coloradobison]

Just got back from the game location here in Denver. Great crowd showed up, had to be 50-75 people there. We are trying to get it worked out to see the Davis game also. Anyways, what an amazing game, couple of missed plays may have cost us a victory, but an amazing game none the less. The defense played amazing, simply great. Proud to be a Bison. I might have to make the trip next year. Go Bison!!

[gwendel]

Sean Bibeau: It was a little low, I thought I had a good kick. Looked up. Saw it off to the side. I thought, you gotta be kiddin.

MN gave me 0. No letters, no anything. It was a good feeling to be back.

[kchats]

From ESPN:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=262940135&confId=43

Bison only give up 99 yards rushing.

[pmp6nl]

Great game Bison, we showed mn that we were a great team.

We will take them out next year!


GO BISON!!!!

[kchats]

Phil Hansen is worried that the Bison will be overconfident next week because he thinks the players are too happy with playing Minnesota close. He thinks they will overlook SUU on the road because they should have beat a Big Ten team today. He is upset the players aren't more devastated with the loss instead of being happy with how they played. I hope he is wrong and I have alot of faith in Coach Bohl getting them ready to play next week. Losing to SUU would really ruin a good season.

[Hammerhead]

That was probably one of the most exciting regular season games I've ever watched. I was on the edge of my seat the entire game.

I'd say a moral victory is OK when you are playing out of your leauge and the "experts" predict a 38-17 score.

[kchats]

Phil thinks the Bison may take this moral victory too seriously and lose to a team they shouldn't next week. That is why moral victories are not good unless it is the final game of the season.

[kchats]

From what I heard on TV the Bison fans did a great job making noise and turning it into a neutral or pro-Bison crowd. The announcers mentioned that as well. I am bummed the Bison lose a game they should have won and tomorrow I watch the Chiefs get pounded at home by the Chargers.

[NC_Aggie]

Someone explain to me how this is the second best defense in the Great West???

Wow... Bison D, you did us all proud!!!


Probably because Cal Poly deserves it at this time.

Great game Bison. I could only listen to a quarter, but the cheers sounded louder for NDSU than for the Gophers. Game reminds me alot of the UCD-Stanford game with the dominance in stats....only the Bison just fell short.

I am sure this is terribly dissapointing...but again great game.

[kchats]

On CBS Sportsline's College front page they have a Saturday's By the Numbers and NDSU vs. Minnesota is #1 because of the margin of victory in the game.

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball

[Bison_Kent]

I have to admit that I am a little down too. It was a great showing by NDSU but you get the feeling that next week could be a let down. I think Bohl will keep them up. I am kind of glad it is Southern Utah instead of Cal Poly or UC Davis for conference play.

In any event, this was a great weekend even though the result didn't come our way. Imagine all the on the fence recruits in the Twin Cities area that see what NDSU has to offer. This can only be a help. NDSU will likely be many Minnesota recruits second choice if the Gophers pass.

[kchats]

I'm really bummed. I'm very disappointed that the Bison lost a game they shouldn't have. They controlled play all day and a couple of mistakes cost them the game. They should have punted on the 4th down on the drive just prior to the Gophers scoring drive. If they had backed them up to inside the 20 again they wouldn't have scored a TD on the Bison D. The penalty that erased the TD pass also hurt. It seemed like the Bison weren't aggressive enough in the red zone which is why they kicked field goals instead of scoring TD's.

I know the players played hard and represented NDSU well but I'm not happy they lost a game they should have won. I hope they come ready to play next week and put SUU down early.

[kchats]

From Kolpack's Game Blog.

GAME LOG

FIRST QUARTER
NDSU: FG Shawn Bibeau 30, 7 minutes, 30 seconds remaining.
Drive: 52 yards, 10 plays, 4:16.
Key play: Official replay overturns on-field referee decision that Jerimiah Wurbacher fumbled after catching a pass from Steve Walker.
NDSU 3, UM 0


Writer Comments: Bison offensive line getting consistent surge - something to keep an eye on as game wears on. NDSU outplays Gophers, but White fumble on punt return as the quarter closes could hurt.


SECOND QUARTER
UM: FG Jason Giannini, 13:54.
Drive: 5 yards, 4 plays, 1:37.
Key play: Travis White fumbles punt return and Willie VanDeSteeg recovers at the Bison 18.

NDSU: FG Bibeau 39, 7:44.
Drive: 30 yards, 10 plays, 6:10.
Key play: John Majeski returns kickoff 39 yards to the Bison 48.
NDSU 6, UM 3


Writer Comments: Bison outplaying Gophers. What was the Vegas line on that?

THIRD QUARTER
No scoring.

Writer Comments: Could it be?

FOURTH QUARTER
UM: Amir Pinnix 5 run (Giannani kick), 10:36.
Drive: 65 yards, 10 play, 4:16.
Key play: On third-and-9, quarterback Bryan Cupito hits Mike Chambers for 33 yards to the Bison 16.
UM 10, NDSU 6

NDSU: FG Bibeau 41, 5:42.
Drive: 56 yards, 12 play, 5:04.
Key play: Walker hits Kole Heckendorf for 20 yards on third-and-13, which reaches the Gopher 30.
UM 10, NDSU 9


Writer Comments: Gophers survive on last-second blocked field goal. The better team lost this game.

[MinotBison]

Phil Hansen is worried that the Bison will be overconfident next week because he thinks the players are too happy with playing Minnesota close. *He thinks they will overlook SUU on the road because they should have beat a Big Ten team today. *He is upset the players aren't more devastated with the loss instead of being happy with how they played. *I hope he is wrong and I have alot of faith in Coach Bohl getting them ready to play next week. *Losing to SUU would really ruin a good season.

When they look at the film, they are probably going to kick themselves. However, I don't have any doubt that Bohl will have them ready for next Saturday.

His stock, however high it was before the game, I think just got a little higher.

[Hammerhead]

I'm bummed about the loss as was everyone in attendance at the Seattle satellite game. Still, it was an exciting game and much closer than I honestly thought it might be.

I really liked a comment I read at the gopherhole that even UND would have beat us today since the goofers played so poorly. ::)

[Bisonguy]

I bummed that NDSU did not win a game that was easily within grasp of winning.

BTW- I did my part. I can barely talk right now. :P

[mercenarybison]

This should help our recruiting in any case. Would have been nice to win, though.

[Scooter]

Someone explain to me how this is the second best defense in the Great West???

Wow... Bison D, you did us all proud!!!


Probably because Cal Poly deserves it at this time.

Great game Bison. *I could only listen to a quarter, but the cheers sounded louder for NDSU than for the Gophers. *Game reminds me alot of the UCD-Stanford game with the dominance in stats....only the Bison just fell short.



I am sure this is terribly dissapointing...but again great game.

NC aggie, Close the door.... grab a kleenex box.... and clean yourself up. *

[kchats]

I'm bummed about the loss as was everyone in attendance at the Seattle satellite game. *Still, it was an exciting game and much closer than I honestly thought it might be.

I really liked a comment I read at the gopherhole that even UND would have beat us today since the goofers played so poorly. ::)

Must have been a Sioux fan. UND isn't anywhere near as good as this Bison team is.

[tcbison]

I bummed that NDSU did not win a game that was easily within grasp of winning.

BTW- I did my part. I can barely talk right now. *:P

Well, I can't say I am elated with the loss because I believe NDSU won in every category except the score. It was a very good showing by the Bison. My biggest hope is that people don't say how bad the Gopher are but how good NDSU is.


The Bison crowd was awesome. I can barely talk as well. I hope my voice comes back for my wedding on Friday.

[Minnesota_Fan]

Bison fans, congratulations on a near-win today. However, to keep your pecking order in the college football world in perspective, despite how good your team is this year you still lost to a last-place Big Ten team.

Good luck the rest of your season!

[kchats]

Hey we should have won the game and your media kept crowing all week about a 30 or 40 point win for the Gophers. Look at it this way Gopher fan your team should have lost to the 6th ranked division I-AA team (that is in its third year of the transition to division I) at home. NDSU controlled the game from start to finish and if they had been more aggressive in the red zone they would have won going away. We'll see you next year with another year under our belt and more depth as we will be in the 4th year of the transition. ;)

[broke_back_mnt]

I'm pretty sure I should have kicked myself out of the Metro Dome today. I was profane, I was loud, I was relentless. Im sorry to all around me. I know I already apologized, but I thank my God it wasnt at the Fabulous Fargo Dome. I would be in the Cass County jail Tonight!

Go BISON!!!

Anybody who says the Gophers played a bad game is nutz. It was a game for the ages. Young men playing to win. Everybody left it all out there today. 8-)

[sambini]

+++++++++++++++

[mebison]

Bison fans, congratulations on a near-win today. However, to keep your pecking order in the college football world in perspective, despite how good your team is this year you still lost to a last-place Big Ten team.

Good luck the rest of your season!

I am glad we don't have to go tell our opponents how bad we are just to keep them down :-?

[TaTonka_31]

I said before the game that if the Bison could stop the run they would hang with the Gophers. *My hat is off to the Bison Defense. *U of M's offensive line is the best part of that team and you guys played them to a stand still. *Just a big time game guys.

[max_cool]

Heck, we held the Minnesota run game to less yards than the Michigan defense!

[gopherguy]

Great Game Bison,

I can empathize with your fans. Gopher fans know very well what its like to outplay a team thats better on paper, yet come up short. Thats college football I guess. Better teams somehow find a way to win even when they are playing poorly and their opposition playing VERY well.

What I have learned from Gopher games like this was true in this game, that TD's and turnovers rule far above all else. We have run people into the ground over the years and still lost games. If you arent winning in either category, its nearly impossible to win.

Your team had great spirit and a very good game plan. The gophers were flat and you took it to them to the end. I cant say I was surprised because I knew you had a good team. Looking forward to the rematch.

[BisonBacker]

Believe me so are we. Thanks for the kind words but it still doesn't take the sting out of the loss. Good luck in the rest of the season.

[UCABEARS75]

I bought the "Game Plan" this year just for games like this one.

I pulled very hard for the Bison to win one against the big guys.

Anyone who watched the game knows who the better team was and although moral victories are somewhat hollow I offer my congratulations to NDSU for having a very good team and building this type football program.