head-to-head with Golden Gophers

Minnesota sophomore Philip Nelson and freshman Mitch Leidner have split time as quarterback this season.

Nelson has had more pass attempts, but Leidner has completed a higher percentage of his throws and for more yards per attempt.

Both quarterbacks have more rushes than completions this season.

Each quarterback has started four games. Minnesota has called Leidner’s number first in each of the past three games.

“Both those quarterbacks can run if they want to,” IU Coach Kevin Wilson said. “They’re not flashy, but they’re big enough quarterbacks that they will run them 15, 18, 20 times, almost like a second runner.”

Wilson said Leidner isn’t a tailback, but he runs like a bigger tailback.

“He’s a rumbling, stumbling guy, and all of the sudden he might be 15, 20 for a big one,” Wilson said.

Wilson said Minnesota’s attitude on offense is similar to that of Navy. Both schools want to pound the ball on the ground.

“It’s a different style, but it’s like Navy, and to execute with a run, run, run,” he said.
The Golden Gophers run the ball on almost 73 percent of their plays.

Along with Minnesota’s quarterbacks, running backs David Cobb and Rodrick Williams Jr. power the nation’s 23rd best team in rushing yards per game.

Wilson said Minnesota’s run-heavy offense can set up the pass when the Golden Gophers decide to air it out.

“They had one at Nebraska and missed a guy on a play action,” he said. “(Minnesota) had a tight end on the corner, and he probably scores or gets close if he gets it.”

Wilson drew a parallel from Nelson to the sixth man on a basketball team.

“He comes in and brings new life to the team,” Wilson said.

No matter which quarterback is on the field for the Golden Gophers, Wilson said he has respect for both.

“They can get on the perimeter, run boot, play action game,” he said.

Wilson said Minnesota’s passing numbers — a combined 55 percent completion percentage, 983 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions — are not more impressive due to weekly missed opportunities by the Golden Gophers’ offense.

Forcing stops on third downs will be critical for IU’s defense.

“Look at the number of third downs that we got that we let them off the field. Michigan State made 8, 9, 10 in a row,” Wilson said. “They made their touchdowns on third downs.

“So you want to change the scheme, we got a guy there to make the tackle, shoot your guy is there to make the play and get him on the ground.”

Wilson said IU has to force Minnesota off schedule by forcing third-and-long scenarios.
He said the Golden Gophers’ offense doesn’t score a lot unless their opponents give them easy scoring chances.

“If we play on our heels, they’ll stay on schedule,” he said.

In the bye week, the Hoosiers focused on third-down conversions, how to keep the ball, creating turnovers and the fundamentals of tackling.

IU Defensive Coordinator Doug Mallory said IU worked on tackling, technique and fundamentals every day during the bye week, in part because of the new players and coaches on the roster.

“These are short things that we want to concentrate on to see if we can be stronger down the stretch,” Wilson said.

“We’re going to be in close games. We have a chance to be in exciting games if we play well and how to find a way to make that play or two to get over the hump.”

Follow reporter Andy Wittry on Twitter @AndyWittryIDS.