FORT COLLINS – Ready or not, here comes what could be the most challenging test of the season for the Colorado State defense. The University of Minnesota offense shows off a veteran quarterback that knows how to win, a dangerous duo at running back, size at receiver and an offensive line that has yet to give up a sack in 2016.
Golden Gophers’ quarterback Mitch Leidner and company certainly have the attention of Rams defensive coordinator Marty English.
“They’re big and physical and they’re in a big, physical conference,” said English. “They want to run the ball, but they have enough skill to play-action and stuff like that. They’re a good offense. They’ll be the best that we’ve seen.”
Leidner, a 230-pounder and Minnesota native, is one of only seven players in college football to be named a three-time captain. If you look through his career, you’ll see that Leidner has his best games against the top defenses. In 2015, he threw for at least 250 yards against Big Ten foes Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa.
English explained that he plans on using different stunts and pressures to make Leidner as uncomfortable as possible. And one of the guys that looks to rattle the Golden Gophers quarterback is defensive lineman Jakob Buys.
“We have to make that quarterback think that we’re always there,” said Buys. “We have to rile his mind and be able to put pressure on him. When you let a quarterback sit back there and get comfortable, they’re going to have the best games. So we can’t allow that.”
Head coach Mike Bobo echoed the praise of Leidner by his coordinator.
“He’s an accurate passer that’s mobile, he’s got big targets and he’s got a running game that’s a quarterback’s best friend, in my opinion,” said Bobo.
Those running backs would be Rodney Smith and Kobe McCrary. In Minnesota’s first two games, the pair averaged nearly 200 yards rushing between them. The Golden Gophers could also get back their leading rusher from a year ago in Shannon Brooks, who rushed for 709 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Bobo stressed that winning individual matchups will be critical for his defense.
“We’ve got to be able to set our edges, hold the point and fit right at linebacker and safety,” said Bobo. “We’ve got to win one-on-one blocks.”
English and Bobo aren’t just working to prepare their front seven on defense, but also the cornerbacks and safety.
“We’ve got to challenge better in the back end, in the secondary,” said Bobo, specifically referencing how his defense needs to improve on third down.
Here’s maybe the toughest part about facing such a daunting offense on their home field: the Rams could play out of their minds and still give up 30 or more points. Bobo emphasized that they must be able to turn the page quickly from one play to the next.
“Minnesota will make some plays,” he said. “We’ve got to do a good job of lining back up and continue to play.”
