Bowl season is sadly coming to an end, but there has been some wonderful, and intense games. Unfortunately, most of my teams lost or did not make a bowl game, but still many enjoyable games to watch.
Now time to talk about the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl that pit Minnesota against Missouri on January 1st. Coming into the game it was looking like an interesting matchup and an opportunity for the Big Ten to up end the SEC in another bowl game, and it almost came to that. The first quarter started off great with Minnesota's Derrick Wells intercepting Maty Mauk, but then had to punt. Fortunately, the Minnesota defense forced Mizzou after three plays to punt again, and this time Minnesota put together a great offensive possession. Minnesota went 80 yards in a great drive that perfectly mixed run and pass efficiently that resulted in the first touchdown of the game. During the rest of the second half Mizzou scored 10 points by breaking off some big runs, and getting their passing game going. After half Mizzou came out with an onside kick that completely took the Gopher's coverage team off guard, the defense stepped up and forced Mizzou to punt again. What really made me infuriated at the onside kick is that during the run up to the kick a gunner left his lane, and kicked out wide to where the kick was actually going, and it seemed that the Gophers coverage team did not even notice. Despite the setback Minnesota's offense scored 10 more points in the third quarter except Mizzou scored 9 points as well. Surprisingly, throughout the first three quarters Minnesota's offense has looked the best it has all season, and this was against the SEC East Champion. Additionally, Minnesota looked like the better team, minus the ugly turnovers which will be talked about later, up to the point where there were some key injuries on defense that allowed Mizzou to gash the Minnesota defense on the ground. There were two big runs: A 78 yard run that was a touchdown, and a 69 yard run that resulted in a touchdown. Minnesota's offense could not get anything going, and the trick play on 4th and goal was a play that was used too late.
During the game there where some sloppy turnovers by both teams. The special teams turnover on the punt return was horrible, and it resulted in a Mizzou touchdown. This turnover, which I believe, was the beginning of the end for Minnesota. After the turnover the offense stopped being productive, resulting in only a field goal for the rest of the game, and the defense collapsed.
Overall, Minnesota was the better team up to the 4th quarter collapse, and I get extremely angry when ESPN, or CBS etc. or just people in general think that Mizzou blew out the gophers. It was an extremely close, and fun game to watch.
I travelled with the team, once again because I work for them, and it was a great experience. The bowl game was fun, and there were a lot more Gopher fans at the game than Mizzou fans which is disappointing for the ones who travelled from the state of Minnesota.
One of the best parts of the bowl game was Maxx Williams hurdles that led to a touchdown. The play was simply outstanding, and I do not think the Mackey Award Winner Nick O'Leary could hurdle those guys. Understandable that Maxx is declaring for the Draft, but I still think he should stay one more year, develop his skills, and get bigger/faster. Oh well...
When I get some more time I will wrap up the Gophers season as a whole
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