CHICAGO — The most memorable sound effect for Northwestern games at Ryan Field was a screeching Wildcat growl after big plays. Its repetition would get the sound stuck in your heads.
At Wrigley Field on Saturday, the public address announcer said “We are going to move! those! chains!” He said it ad nauseum as the Wildcats totaled 25 first downs in a 38-35 win.
EARLIER: Gophers cough up lead in 38-35 loss to Northwestern at Wrigley Field
The Gophers defense came into the game allowing 331 yards per game (38th in the nation), but allowed more yards of offense to a .500 Northwestern team (525 yards) than the U gave up to No. 1 Ohio State (474) and No. 7 Oregon (510). The Gophers also gave up 476 yards to Michigan State, which is winless in Big Ten play.
Given how glaring the breakdowns were Saturday, Fleck was asked about how new defensive coordinator Danny Collins has done in his first season at the helm.
“I look at three things,” Fleck said. “I look at the coaching. I look at personnel and then the scheme. Those are the three things that I evaluate every single week. I got to go back through the tape. …
“(But) I love what Danny is doing. I love how hard our defensive staff works. Part of it is you just got to make the plays that present themselves. Again, I think at times throughout the entire year, we’ve pressed here and there. We are pressing to go get the ball (and force a turnover). And the details matter.”
Collins called the Gophers’ defense Saturday from the sideline, a departure from doing so from the coaches’ booth high above the field. Fleck said that wasn’t a reaction to performances, but a decision based on not having great vantage points from a baseball press box.
Charging for long distance
Gophers kicker Brady Denaburg continues to struggle on field goals from 40 yards and longer this season.
Denaburg is 11 for 12 from inside 39 yards, but the transfer from Syracuse is 2 for 7 from beyond 40 with misses from 40 in the third quarter Saturday and 48 on the last play of the game.
“Keep kicking,” Fleck said. “Sometimes it goes through, sometimes it doesn’t. We got to execute way better. He’s made some really big kicks for us all year. I know he’ll respond to that.”
Briefly
With the new $800 million Ryan Field opening up next year, Wrigley Field plans to host games for other college programs. … Anthony Smith was credited for a sack on a Preston Stone intentional grounding Saturday. That gives Smith 10 1/2 sacks this season, becoming the first Gopher with double-digit sacks since Willie VanDeSteeg in 2008. … The Gophers turned to Tony Nelson at guard on Saturday, a rare change along the U’s offensive line that managed to run for 3.5 yards per carry.
Want more insights? Join Grow With Caliber - our career elevating newsletter and get our take on the future of work delivered weekly.
