Game Day Preview 2018

GAME DAY

PREVIEW

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GAME DAY PREVIEW TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Quick Hitters......................................3 Minnesota dominated New Mexico State Depth Charts...................................4-5

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EDITORIAL BOARD Ray Weishan Editorials & Opinions Editor rweishan@mndaily.com Ariana Wilson Editorial Board Member awilson@mndaily.com Hailey Almsted Editorial Board Member halmsted@mndaily.com Kelly Busche Editor-in-Chief kbusche@mndaily.com BUSINESS Darya Karas Sales Manager dkaras@mndaily.com David Keane Controller dkeane@mndaily.com =

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Questions from the Other Side..........6 Robert Kuwada from The Fresno Bee Daily Breakdown................................7 Minnesota a slight favorite over underrated Fresno State No Experience, No Problem...............8 Freshman Zack Annexstad poised to take over at QB

Thursday, September 6, 2018

3

Quick Hitters: Gophers dominated New Mexico State

BY MAX BIEGERT mbiegert@mndaily.com

Final: Minnesota 48 – New Mexico State 10 After a slow start to their first home game of the season, the Gophers were able to put together a 28-point second quarter to pull away from the Aggies and secure the first victory of the season.

Walk-on true freshman Zack Annexstad made the first start of his career; he was only the second FBS quarterback to ever start the opening game as a true freshman walk-on. He went 16-33 and threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Tyler Johnson had 5 catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns, while redshirt senior Rodney Smith had 153 yards on 24 carries.

Emmit Carpenter added two field goals in the second half and a touchdown by Bryce Williams cemented the victory.

It was over when: Minnesota broke out for four touchdowns in the second quarter and pulled away with a 35-10 lead. The 25-point deficit did not get smaller in the second half, as the Gophers added 13 points and the defense held New Mexico State to zero points in the second half.

Key Play: Antoine Winfield Jr. fielded a New Mexico State punt and took it back 76 yards to put the Gophers up 28-10 with 2:45 left in the second quarter. On his way to the end zone, the redshirt sophomore broke multiple defenders’ tackling attempts in what his coaches have called the best punt return they have ever seen.

Five Obser vations: 1. The Wildcat formation paid off Quarterback-turned-wide receiver/ tight end Seth Green scored two touch-

downs down on the goal line by taking the direct snap in the wildcat formation and using his powerful frame to rumble into the end zone. The former East Ridge High School quarterback looks like he will be used in many different ways this season for the Gophers.

2. Freshman quar terback was calm under pressure The Gophers offense started out slow in the first quarter, with the frame ending in a 7-7 tie. New Mexico State scored its touchdown after Annexstad fumbled a snap in Minnesota’s own zone.

Instead of getting flustered, the quarterback led his team down the field to breakaway the score and get Minnesota the victory.

3. Cashman was dominant Linebacker/defensive end Blake Cashman was disruptive on Thursday night. He led the team with eight tack-

les, including four tackles for a loss and a sack. Cashman played mostly on special teams last season and collected 30 tackles. The season before, he was named the Holiday Bowl’s Defensive Most Valuable Player.

4. Minnesota had weapons outside Along with Johnson’s five catches for 100 yards, freshman Rashod Bateman added five catches for 52 yards and Chris Autman-Bell made four catches for 43 yards. The wide receiving corps is different from last season, with many freshmen getting playing time and making an impact.

5. Gophers’ youth movement Minnesota had 29 freshmen play in the game against New Mexico State.

The Gophers rank as one of the youngest teams in all of college football, with over two-thirds of the team consisting of underclassmen.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

4

Minnesota’s Depth Chart MINNESOTA COACHES

OFFENSE

P.J. Fleck Matt Simon Kirk Ciarrocca

QB

Ed Warinner Jahmile Addae Joseph Rossi Robb Smith Kenni Burns Clay Patterson Rob Wenger Gerrit Chernoff

Head Coach Wide Receivers Coach Offensive Coordinator Quarterbacks Coach Offensive Line Coach Defensive Backs Coach Defensive Line Coach Defensive Coordinator Linebackers Coach Running Backs Tight Ends Coach Special Teams Coordinator Outside Linebackers Coach General Manager

TB

TE

WR

WR

WR

SPECIAL TEAMS K P LS KR PR

H

38 37 47 46 25 39 1 24 11 34 82 47 46 14

Emmit Carpenter (6-0, 200, R-Sr.) John Mack (6-0, 195, R-So.) Jacob Herbers (6-2, 215, R-Jr.) Alex Melvin (6-4, 205, R-Jr.) Payton Jordahl (6-2, 230, R-Sr.) Michael Vojvodich (6-3, 210, Fr.) Rodney Smith (5-11, 210, R-Sr.) Mohamed Ibrahim (5-10, 205, R-Fr.) Antoine Winfield Jr. (5-10, 205, R-So.) Antonio Shenault (5-11, 190, Sr.) Demetrius Douglas (6-0, 190, R-Fr.) Jacob Herbers (6-2, 215, R-Jr.) Alex Melvin (6-4, 205, R-Jr.) Casey O’Brien (6-1, 175, R-Fr.)

LT

LG

C

RG RT

5 17 1 24 21 42 80 85 13 17 89 82 25 18 6 3 27 73 58 75 64 61 75 62 60 66 77 51 70 78 76

DEFENSE Zack Annexstad (6-3, 215, Fr.) Tanner Morgan (6-2, 210, R-Fr.) Rodney Smith (5-11, 210, R-Sr.) Mohamed Ibrahim (5-10, R-Fr.) OR Bryce Williams (6-0, 200, Fr.) Ko Kieft (6-4, 250, R-Fr.) Jake Paulson (6-4, 260, R-Fr.) OR Bryce Witham (6-4, 255, R-Jr.) Rashod Bateman (6-2, 200, Fr.) Seth Green (6-4, 240, R-So.) OR Matt Morse (6-1, 195, R-Jr.) Demetrius Douglas (6-0, 190, R-Fr.) Phillip Howard (5-11, 195, R-So.) OR Clay Geary (5-10, 190, R-So. Tyler Johnson (6-2, 200, Jr.) Chris Autman-Bell (6-1, 200, R-Fr.) OR Paul Gossage (6-3, 185, R-Jr.) Donnell Greene (6-7, 320, R-Sr.) Quinn Oseland (6-6, 305, R-Jr.) OR Kyle Sassack (6-7, 290, R-Fr.) Connor Olson (6-5, 300, R-So.) Bronson Dovich (6-5, 300, R-Jr.) OR Austin Beier (6-4, 285, Fr.) Jared Weyler (6-4, 296, R-Jr.) John Michael Schmitz (6-4, 300, R-Fr.) OR Nathan Boe (6-4, 285, Fr.) Blaise Andries (6-5, 315, R-Fr.) Curtis Dunlap Jr. (6-5, 370, Fr.) Sam Schlueter (6-6, 298, R-Fr.) Daniel Faalele (6-9, 400, Fr.) Jack York (6-6, 210, R-Fr.)

DE DT DT

DE

LB LB

LB DB

DB

DB

DB DB

46 9 19 90 99 97 52 45 12 69 21 55 41 8 14 36 20 31 16 7 11 23 22 49 2 27 6 4 15 34 26

Winston DeLattiboudere (6-3, 250, R-Jr.) Esezi Otomewo (6-6, 260, R-Fr.) Gary Moore (6-4, 300, R-Sr.) Sam Renner (6-4, 270, R-Jr.) O.J. Smith (6-2, 320, R-Sr.) Royal Silver (6-3, 300, R-Jr.) OR Jamaal Teague (6-3, 305, Fr.) Carter Coughlin (6-4, 245, Jr.) Tai’yon Devers (6-4, 240, Jr.) OR Boye Mafe (6-4, 250, R-Fr.) Kamal Martin (6-3, 235, Jr.) Mariano Sori-Marin (6-3, 240, Fr.) Thomas Barber (6-1, 235, Jr.) Thomas Rush (6-3, 230, Fr.) OR Braelen Oliver (6-0, 225, Fr.) Blake Cashman (6-2, 235, Sr.) Julian Huff (6-0, 225, Sr.) Kiondre Thomas (6-0, 190, R-So.) Coney Durr (5-10, 190, Jr.) OR Rey Estes (6-0, 175, R-Fr.) Antoine Winfield Jr. (5-10, 204, R-So.) Jordan Howden (5-11, 185, Fr.) OR Benny Sapp III (6-1, 195, Fr.) OR Josh Aune Jacob Huff (5-11, 207, Jr.) Calvin Swenson (6-1, 210, R-So.) OR Chris Williamson (6-0, 200, R-Jr.) Terell Smith (6-1, 195, Fr.) C.J. Smith (6-1, 185, Fr.) Antonio Shenault (5-11, 190, Sr.) Justus Harris (5-10, 180, So.)

*Depth chart accurate as of September 5

Thursday, September 6, 2018

5

Fresno State’s Depth Chart ILLINOIS COACHES

OFFENSE

Jeff Tedford Kalen Deboer

QB

Head Coach Assistant Head Coach Offensive Coordinator Bert Watts Defensive Coordinator Jamar Cain Defensive Line Coach Jamie Christian Running Backs Coach Special Teams Coordinator Ryan Grubb Offensive Line Coach Run Game Coordinator Kirby Moore Wide Receivers Coach Scott Thompson Tight Ends Coach Kenwick Thompson Linebackers Coach J.D. Williams Defensive Backs Coach Lucus Gingold Asst. for Running Backs Special Teams Brad Vonnahme Offensive Analyst Andy Ward Head Strength and Conditioning Coach

SPECIAL TEAMS PK P LS H KR PR

37 97 47 45 53 54 47 10 11 1 3 82

Asa Fuller (6-2, 227, R-Fr.) Shane Ciucci (5-8, 170, Fr.) 47 Blake Cusick (6-2, 190, Jr.) Carson King (6-0, 182, Fr.) Jacob Westberry (6-3, 250, So.) Patrick Williams, Jr. (6-3, 207, So.) Blake Cusick (6-2, 185, Jr.) Jorge Reyna (6-0, 215, R-Jr.) Dejonte O’Neal (5-7, 175, Sr.) Jamire Jordan (5-11, 170, Sr.) KeeSean Johnson (6-2, 199, Sr.) Delvon Hardaway (6-1, 197, Sr.)

RB

TE WR WR WR LT LG C RG RT

6 10 22 33 11 16 89 1 7 3 82 2 13 52 79 58 77 73 59 51 72 65 62

DEFENSE Marcus McMaryion (6-2, 203, Sr.) Jorge Reyna (6-0, 215, R-Jr.) Jordan Mims (5-11, 192, So.) Josh Hokit (6-1, 220, Jr.) OR Dejonte O’Neal (5-7, 175, Sr.) Jared Rice (6-5, 230, Jr.) Kyle Riddering (6-6, 235, Sr.) Jamire Jordan (5-11, 170, Sr.) Derrion Grim (6-1, 194, Jr.) KeeSean Johnson (6-2, 199, Sr.) Delvon Hardaway (6-1, 197, Sr.) Michiah Quick (5-11, 180, R-Sr.) Justin Allen (5-11, 192, Sr.) Netane Muti (6-3, 310, So.) Nick Aibuedefe (6-4, 274, Jr.) Christian Cronk (6-5, 305, Sr.) Nick Abbs (6-45 293, Jr.) Micah St. Andrew (6-3, 348, Sr.) Matt Smith (5-11, 280, So.) Markus Boyer (6-1, 300, Sr.) Dontae Bull (6-6, 324, RFr.) Syrus Tuitele (6-6, 305, So.) Logan Hughes (6-4, 285, Sr.)

3 31 DT 93 99 DT 90 98 DE 5 33 LB 34 11 LB 9 29 LB 7 13 CB 6 26 CB 14 8 SS 23 2 FS 4 15 DE

Mykal Walker (6-3, 220, R-Jr.) Andrew Wright (6-2, 237, So.) Jasad Haynes (6-1, 283, Jr.) Ricky McCoy (6-2, 300, Jr.) Kevin Atkins (6-2, 300, So.) Keiti Iakopo (5-11, 295, Jr.) Emeka Ndoh (6-0, 250, Sr.) Kwami Jones (6-2, 250, Jr.) George Helmuth (6-1, 225, Sr.) Sherwin King Jr. (5-11, 227, Fr.) Jeff Allison (6-0, 242, Jr.) Justin Rice (6-2, 225, Jr.) James Bailey (6-1, 225, Sr.) Kesomi Mafi (5-11, 228, Sr.) Tank Kelly (5-10, 183, Sr.) Matt Boateng (6-0, 175, Sr.) Jaron Bryant (6-0, 176, Jr.) Wylan Free (6-2, 178, R-Fr.) Juju Hughes (5-11, 182, Jr.) Chris Gaston (6-1, 181, R-Fr.) Mike Bell (6-3, 205, Jr.) Arron Mosby (6-4, 217, So.)

*Depth chart accurate as of September 5

Thursday, September 6, 2018

6

Questions from the other side: Robert Kuwada from Fresno Bee

BY MAX BIEGERT mbiegert@mndaily.com

The Minnesota Daily sports staff chatted with Robert Kuwada, a sports reporter from The Fresno Bee, about the Gophers’ upcoming Saturday game against the Fresno State Bulldogs.

What are some things Fresno State does well and what are some things they need to improve on?

Well I think right now you would say, offensively, they need to get a bit tighter than they were on Saturday night. Even though they put up 79 points on the scoreboard, they had two kick returns and a defensive touchdown. There were some third down plays they missed and

a few missed deep balls as well. They need to clean it up there. Defensively, I thought the pass rush should have been better, which was a question for them coming into the season. Minnesota will be a physical test, so it will be interesting to see how the guys deal with that.

Who should the Gophers be aware of?

If Minnesota runs the ball as much as I think they will, I think Jeff Allison, [Fresno State’s] middle linebacker, is a guy they will want to keep an eye on. He is really good in the box and can get out to the numbers and make tackles. He is one of the more physical players, very active and a very good tackler. Offensively, you have to look at their skill guys. They have a lot of good receivers. KeeSean Johnson went for 6 catches and 118 yards [in Fresno

State’s first game]. Michiah Quick, an Oklahoma transfer, is another guy they will have to look out for. Any one of those guys can make a play for them.

Fresno State plays two Power 5 teams in the next two weeks starting with Minnesota and then [the University of California, Los Angeles]. How important are these two games?

I don’t think you can overstate how important they are. [Fresno State has] their eyes on a big prize this year, they want to be legitimate contenders to get into a New Year’s Six bowl [game]. Obviously, winning the conference title is the objective every year, but they are both really huge games. I don’t see either of those two games being out of reach for them either. They have a different mindset ... than they have had in these games in the past.

What are the expectations for Fresno State?

Winning the conference title is the goal.

Any Group of Give team that wants to be in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl will have to win the conference. I think it will come down to Fresno State versus Boise State in the Moun-

tain West Championship.

What has head coach Jeff Tedford, former [California Golden Bears] coach, done [for] this program?

He brings a legitimacy to everything they do, and I think that has helped the program a lot. He had a tough time getting the program up to speed within the conference in terms of recruiting budgets and strength and conditioning programs early on. He now has put those things on much stronger footing, and they can take off from there. It’s a year-to-year thing they want to build, and before he got there, Fresno State hadn’t been able to do that. But being an alum and knowing the success he has, the community has something to rally around. ... The team is just better and better every year.

Speed Round Predictions from Kuwada: 1. Fresno State’s final record – 10-2 2. Best offensive player – Netane Muti, tackle 3. Best defensive player – Jeff Allison, linebacker 4. Mountain West champion – Boise State 5. National Championship – Alabama 6. Game prediction – 28-23 Fresno State

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

Running back Rodney Smith carries the ball at TCF Bank Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 30. The Gophers defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 48-10.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Daily Breakdown: Minnesota a slight favorite over underrated Fresno State

7

Fresno State beat its last opponent by a score of 79-13.

BY JACK WARRICK jwarrick@mndaily.com

The Gophers come off of a promising home opener beating New Mexico State 48-10. The new starting quarterback Zack Annexstad proved to be capable at running the offense with 220 passing yards going 16-33 in completions with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

This week, the Gophers may have more of a challenge as Fresno State scored the most points it has in a single game since 1991 when they beat Idaho 79-13. The Bulldogs recovered seven turnovers and gave up zero, a statistic that contributed to their overwhelming win over Idaho last week.

When Minnesota runs the ball The ground game has long been the Gophers most reliable and this year is more or less the same, based on the first game where they had 295 total rushing yards. In the first game, Annexstad threw 33 passes while the Gophers had 47 rushing attempts. Annexstad, himself, didn’t accumulate any net rushing yards on the day.

The Gophers are likely to rely on Rodney Smith, the veteran running back who got most of the touches in week one with 153 rushing yards to show for it. The two freshman running backs behind him, Mohamed Ibrahim and Bryce Williams, showed they were legitimate as the running back No. 2’s. Ibrahim recorded 101 yards on nine carries and Williams tallied a rushing touchdown.

However, Fresno State allowed just 102 rushing yards to Idaho last week, with one rushing touchdown.

Matchup to watch: running back Rodney Smith vs. line backer Jeff Allison Advantage: Minnesota When Fresno State runs the ball: The Bulldogs recorded 239 rushing yards with seven touchdowns on the ground, with

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

Head coach P.J. Fleck observes the game at TCF Bank Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 30.

The Gophers defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 48-10.

three coming from sophomore running back Jordan Mims.

Fresno State had five different running backs contribute significantly in the win over Idaho, though none exceeded 50 rushing yards in the contest.

The Gophers allowed just 38 rushing yards to New Mexico State in part because the Aggies only had 20 attempts. But the 1.9 average yardsper-carry allowed in its first game could be a good sign for the Gophers run stoppers.

Matchup to watch: running back Jordan Mims vs. line backer Blake Cashman Advantage: Minnesota When Minnesota passes the ball: Last year, the Gophers were confined to one consistent wide receiver: Tyler Johnson. But the addition of freshman Rashod Bateman and the development of Chris Autman-Bell could improve the Gophers receiving prospects for the 2018 season.

Annexstad still has a lot to prove even though he led the team to a lopsided victory in his first game, this week Minnesota is against

a better opponent could be a challenge for the young team.

The Bulldogs gave up 205 passing yards and one passing touchdown in its season opener to the Vandals. The Bulldogs defense had five interceptions and recovered two fumbles.

Matchup to watch: wide receiver Tyler Johnson vs. defensive back Anthoula Kelly Advantage: Fresno State When Fresno State passes the ball: The Bulldogs quarterback Marcus McMaryion, a senior in his second year starting for the Bulldogs, completed 19-26 passes last week with 207 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.

Wide receiver KeeSean Johnson had 118 yards on six receptions last week. The team totaled 247 yards receiving as a wide receivers unit.

Last week, the Gophers went up against a pass heavy team when New Mexico State passed on 58 of its 78 total attempts. Minnesota allowed 233 receiving yards and one touchdown, intercepting one pass.

Matchup to watch: wide receiver KeeSean Johnson vs. defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. Advantage: Fresno State Prediction: Minnesota 24, Fresno State 21 Fresno State has not beat a Power 5 conference team since 2012. But with last week’s performance showing what the Bulldogs can do, this game against Minnesota is one that both teams should be focused on.

A high-scoring one sided football game is not expected in this matchup as both teams had resounding victories in the first week with defenses holding their opponents under 14 points.

The Gophers will need to limit interceptions and fumbles as Fresno State had seven turnovers in their favor last week — contributing to the 79 points scored by its offense.

Everything else you need to know: Start time: 6:30 p.m. CDT Network: FOX Sports GO Radio: KFAN 100.3 Line: Minnesota by 2.5

Thursday, September 6, 2018

8

No experience, no problem? Freshman Zack Annexstad poised to take over as QB The true freshman walk-on beat out Tanner Morgan to get the start at quarterback for the 2018 season.

BY JACK WARRICK jwarrick@mndaily.com

The Gophers have gone back to a single quarterback leading their offense this year, and that starter is true freshman walk-on Zack Annexstad.

Annexstad contributed to the Gophers’ home opening victory over New Mexico State when he completed 16-33 passes for 220 yards with two touchdown passes, both to wide receiver Tyler Johnson. He had zero total rushing yards with no interceptions and one fumble.

“He’s got to continue to grow and get better in a ton of areas,” head coach P.J. Fleck said. “If you asked him, he would give you a whole line of what was actually, you know, good and bad, but probably more of the bad part of what he had to get better at.”

Annexstad faced one of the first challenges of his new career when he fumbled on the Minnesota 12-yard line, giving New Mexico State a touchdown from the turnover. After that fumble, his offense went on to score touchdowns on three of the next four drives. “[I] wasn’t surprised at all,” running back Rodney Smith said. “I expected that from [Annexstad]. He’s showed it since he’s stepped foot on campus and I’m proud of him that he didn’t let that fumble rattle him.”

Annexstad is a Minnesota native who played his high school football at the IMG Academy in Florida, a school known for producing football talent. He came to Minnesota as a walk on and chose to stay in his home state, though he had offers from Illinois, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

Before the season, junior college quarterback Vic Viramontes transferred to Minnesota. As the summer went on and the competition waged on, Viramontes transferred back to his junior college, leaving

JACK RODGERS, DAILY

Quarterback Zach Annexstad throws the ball at TCF Bank Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 30. The Gophers defeated the New Mexico State Aggies 48-10.

Morgan and Annexstad to fight for the spot after six months with the Gophers.

Annexstad beat out redshirt freshman Tanner Morgan after a summer of competition in the Athletes Village. Morgan and Annexstad both had no college game experience while Morgan had a year of practice with the Gophers.

“You’re not going to meet two more competitive people when they get on that field than those two,” Fleck said earlier in the summer. “They’re decisive decision makers. They don’t feel like freshmen.”

Fleck announced Seth Green as the third string quarterback behind Annexstad and Morgan, but against New Mexico State, Green ran two plays as the wildcat quarterback for two pivotal touchdown runs. “[Green’s] kind of that Swiss Army knife where he’s got a lot of different tools for us to be able to use,” Fleck said. “We just have to continue to be creative, do the what defense gives us and be able to create opportunities for him to be able to show what he can do and help out football team.”

Fleck said the Gophers might play Morgan throughout the season too, but the vast majority of time is expected to go to Annexstad.

The head coach said earlier in the summer that the team would be confident with either Morgan or Annexstad at quarterback.

“I felt like [Annexstad] was really poised... His control of the game, at no point did I feel like he was out of control,” offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca said. “At no time did I feel like the moment was too big for him.”

Morgan played the final few minutes of the first game, completing one pass for seven yards.

Zack’s brother, Brock Annexstad, is listed as a wide receiver on the roster in his redshirt freshman season with the Gophers, although he is not listed in the depth chart. Their father, Scott Annexstad, played on the offensive line for the Gophers from 1982-83.

Annexstad is the first true freshman walk on to start an FBS season since cur-

rent Cleveland Browns quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield did it for Texas Tech in 2013.

“I was really proud of [Annexstad’s] poise and how he handled himself and how he was able to respond from the adversity that happened early,” Fleck said, though he said he has a lot to get better at too.

The Gophers quarterback situation has been in a state of flux since the graduation of Mitch Leidner following the 2016 season.

After the three-year starter in Leidner departed, last season struggled under the guidance of the two-quarterback system of Conor Rhoda and Demry Croft, both of whom are not with the Gophers this season.

The Gophers will go on to play Fresno State on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at TCF Bank Stadium. The Bulldogs won their season opener 79-13. Their offense had the most points in NCAA football last week.

“It’s a very formidable opponent,” Smith said. “Those guys are as good as anybody we’ll play this year.”

“I felt like [Annexstad] was really poised... His control of the game, at no point did I feel like he was out of control.”

KIRK CIARROCCA Offensive coordinator