'The Post' talks to ScoutMedia's Ryan Burns about Ohio's matchup with Minnesota this weekend.
This year, The Post chatted with a journalist who regularly covers the opponent Ohio football plays.
With Ohio flying west to Minneapolis for Saturday's final non-conference game against Minnesota, we spoke to Ryan Burns, who covers the Golden Gophers for ScoutMedia.
Charlie Hatch: After last week’s nail biter with Kent State, will Minnesota come out with the “time to correct the wrongs,” or “this should be easy” mentality against Ohio?
Ryan Burns : Time to correct the wrong, definitely. There's been a lot of heat on this Gopher offense after only scoring 10 points against Kent State. It's an offense that Minnesota coach Jerry Kill really takes pride in, so I expect them to simplify things and come out with something to prove against Ohio. Minnesota is absolutely not taking Ohio for granted as they know the Bobcats are 3-0, including a win over Marshall, so I surmise that it should be a pretty good game Saturday afternoon.
CH: Ohio’s defense looks better than the offense. Will that hurt it Saturday?
RB: Minnesota is the same way, so I'm thinking that may hurt them. This Gopher defense is honestly one of the top defenses in the Big Ten, if not the nation. They have two corners in Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun that will both be in the NFL this time next year. Boddy-Calhoun was a preseason All-American and Murray was All-Big Ten last season, and they've both been playing lights out. Minnesota's offense is obviously behind the defense by quite a bit, so it may be an offensive struggle in this game. Wouldn't be surprised to see a 17-13 slug fest.
CH: Was Kent’s offense terrible last week, or the Minnesota defense flawless?
RB: Both, but Minnesota's defense is the absolute cornerstone of this Gopher team. Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys has turned around this Minnesota defense that was one of the worst in America when Coach Kill got here to one of the best. Sophomore defensive tackle Steven Richardson has been a one man wrecking crew on the defensive line and has really allowed the Gopher linebackers to make plays. Minnesota will be without one of their starting safeties in Damarius Travis, but they'll also be getting back one to replace him in JUCO All-American Ace Rogers. Kent State's offense couldn't get anything going, but that's in large part to this defense.
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CH: Who should Bobcats fans look out for Saturday?
RB: On the offensive side of the ball, if this Minnesota offense is going to get back on track, it'll be behind the legs of freshman running back Rodney Smith. Smith has been one of the few bright spots on this Gopher offense and looks to be the main running back for the rest of the season. He's got great vision and patience, but he's also got deceptive speed when he gets to the edge. On defense, linebacker Cody Poock has been on a rampage. He's the hard hitter of Claeys defense at the MLB position. Poock had double digit tackles last week and I'm expecting a huge season from him.
CH: Score predictions?
RB: With this Gopher offense struggling and dealing with a lot of injuries on the offensive line, I don't know that this is the week they put things together. I do believe this Gopher defense will win the game for Minnesota, but I anticipate a Gopher victory at 24-10.
@charliehatch_
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