The second long touchdown pass from Chandler Harnish to Nathan Palmer evoked nightmares of a year gone by for many in Gopher Nation.  But 1998 is not 1997, and Father Time and Fate granted a different outcome on the gridiron battleground.  The Gophers looked very good at times and shaky at others, but in the end pulled out a victory.

In my prior post, I predicted a 45-17 win for the Gophers.  I can speculate on what might have happened if Eric Decker’s touchdown hadn’t been taken away and Ryan Collado’s blown coverage hadn’t resulted in two touchdowns.  The bottom line is that the score of 31-27, while a win, was far different from what I expected.  Here’s my take on the offense:

Adam Weber appeared to be a more accurate passer than this time last year.  Besides Eric Decker, the options that Weber had as wide receiver targets were sparse.  Weber looked more mature and confident at quarterback, but he was telegraphing his passes.  Good linebackers and defensive backs key on the quarterback’s eyes, and Weber is giving them plenty of warning as to where he plans on throwing the ball.  While he had a great game versus Northern Illinois, teams with quicker defensive personnel could take advantage of this tendency.  If he can learn to avoid staring down his primary target, he could become an elite NCAA passer.  That’s a BIG IF, because if he continues to telegraph passes expect the interceptions to be numerous versus top tier opponents.  It’s important to remember that he’s only a sophomore and should continue to mature and develop throughout the season.

Jack Simmons looked every bit the part of an NFL tight end.  If he can avoid injury, expect him to be a first or second round draft pick this coming Spring.  Nick Tow-Arnett also had some big time catches, demonstrating that he’s more than just a blocking tight end.

Eric Decker had a great day with 89 yards receiving and a touchdown, but I expected to see a few of the new freshmen wide receivers see the field.  Ralph Spry and Ben Kuznia are servicable, but Weber will need the likes of Brandon Green and Brodrick Smith on the field in order to have multiple open targets throughout the season.

The offensive line has some new starters, and at times I thought that their youth and inexperience was apparent.  Defensive end Larry English of NIU looked like a man among boys out on the field.  It’s too bad he isn’t wearing maroon and gold this year.  Adam Weber didn’t have enough time in the pocket, and the O-line needs to gel as the season goes on and they gain experience.

Duane Bennett had a solid game with 92 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.  Most importantly, he didn’t fumble and he gave us proof of breakaway speed with a 61 yard touchdown run.  I did notice that on a few occasions he carried the ball with the inside hand.  Ahman Green has had a long career in the NFL while holding the ball in just his left hand, so as long as there aren’t any fumbles that’s a moot point (unless Bennett prevents himself from being able to stiff-arm a defender).  Bennett looks to have become a quick, elusive, and speedy back with good hands.  He’s a great fit for the Gopher’s spread offense.

If Adam Weber continues to develop while avoiding telegraphed passes, a few freshmen wide receivers step up and play to expectations, and the young offensive line gels, we could be in for another record setting offense in 2008.  I’ll be back to analyze the defense and conclude my game 1 recap Monday evening.  Until then, enjoy the following video link sent to me by a reader.