Run the North | Golden Gophers football

[ShireNiner]

Holy shit, 302 rushing yards for Thomas? Dude was trying to go full Samaje Perine. Fortunate to come out with a win after defending like that

I have no idea what is going on this season. Last year the CPU couldn't run on me and I thought the sliders were easy. Now I can't stop the run at all.

[redsox907]

after the Akron game, I am shocked at the offensive output you've put up against two quality opponents

[ShireNiner]

after the Akron game, I am shocked at the offensive output you've put up against two quality opponents

New QB. AJ Brand is a real one.

[The JZA]

That man literally ran through y'all, sheesh!

Still got the W, so all for naught.

[ShireNiner]

That man literally ran through y'all, sheesh!

Still got the W, so all for naught.

our run D is a joke

[ShireNiner]

Week 3 in the CFB Universe: Upsets, Statement Wins, and a Heisman Race That’s Heating Fast


Week 3 didn’t deliver the seismic upsets of years past, but it offered something arguably more revealing: clarity. The programs with playoff aspirations largely flexed. The ones masquerading as contenders were exposed. And in a season where margins already look thin, the emerging identities might matter more than the wins themselves.

Texas A&M issued the weekend’s most emphatic statement, steamrolling No. 7 Kentucky 49–24 and forcing the Wildcats into an early identity crisis. The Aggies were the more physical, balanced team — and for the third straight week that hasn’t been unusual.

Missouri continued its surprising rise, dispatching LSU 37–21 with the composure of a team fully aware of who it is. Mizzou enters Week 4 at 3–0 and climbs to No. 18, a ranking that already feels conservative. Baylor stayed unbeaten with a controlled win over Arizona State, holding at No. 12. Alabama reenters the rankings at No. 23 for the first time this season — a sentence that still feels strange to type, even in mid-September.

Auburn moved quietly to 3–0, edging Tennessee 24–20 behind Kevin Kryspin’s 292 yards and just enough defense. It was Tennessee, though, that left the field looking uneasy. Ty Simpson (161 yards, 1 TD) again struggled to push the ball downfield.

Elsewhere, several Big Ten schools spent the week taking their required break against FCS programs (Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan State, Michigan, Purdue, Nebraska, USC). The most notable close call came from Northwestern, which beat Rutgers 27–13 despite Weston Bryan’s two interceptions.

Texas, the only top-three team in action, methodically put away Maryland 45–21, while Oregon controlled Oregon State in a 36–12 win highlighted by Makhi Hughes’ 149 rushing yards. Washington delivered the most lopsided rivalry result of the weekend, a 45–10 Apple Cup masterclass powered by Demond Williams Jr.’s five-touchdown, 369-yard performance — a reminder that the Huskies remain volatile but undeniably dangerous.

Heisman watch
A.J. Turner, RB
After torching UCLA for 225 yards and two scores, Turner has muscled his way to the front of the pack. His 564 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns have come in the Gophers’ biggest moments and late in games.
Arch Manning, QB
The numbers (1,123 yards, 9 TDs) are impressive, but what’s more notable is how ordinary he makes big Saturdays look. Texas has yet to face adversity, but Manning hasn’t slipped any either.
Javian Thomas, RB
Thomas’ 302-yard detonation in Minneapolis pushed him to 556 yards and 6 TDs, all on explosive plays. He leads the country in rushes of 20+ yards. Last week was the breakout he needed to catch attention.
Colton Joseph, QB
Notre Dame hasn’t been clean, but Joseph (1,063 yards, 9 TDs) keeps them dangerous. His efficiency will matter more once conference play ramps up.
Kevin Jennings, QB
The Mustangs were idle this week, but Jennings’ 11 touchdowns to one interception still hold up.

What the Experts Are Saying About the Top 25
Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN) on the top of the rankings
“Ohio State looks like the most complete team right now — veteran, mature, no wasted motion. But the gap has closed. Texas might be the only team matching their consistency week to week.”

Paul Finebaum (ESPN) on his Arch Manning prediction paying off
“I said a week ago Arch Manning was the player no one wanted to admit was entering the Heisman race. Well, now he’s not entering it — he’s leading Texas there.
And keep your eye on Missouri. That’s an SEC team built to win ugly games in October.”

Pat McAfee (ESPN) on the Heisman vibe
“This thing’s turning into a running back showcase. A.J. Turner is a BEAST. Javian Thomas is a cheat code. And hey — SMU ain’t cute anymore. Jennings is dealing.”

Joel Klatt (FOX) on teams outside the spotlight
“BYU at No. 7 looks sustainable. The physicality is real. Baylor next week is a perfect measuring stick for both teams.”


Week 4 Preview:
Pac-12 reunion
21 UCLA at 5 Oregon
UCLA looks to bounce back after a close loss to Minnesota, Oregon is trying to crack into the top-5.

Big Ten Statement Games
19 USC at 20 Penn State
Both teams can look like top-10 material on the right day — and like No. 35 on the wrong one.

Big 12 Showdowns
12 Baylor at 7 BYU
Two undefeated teams trying to get the upper hand in the conference. Baylor's fast offense and BYU's hard defense.

SEC Spotlight
8 Florida at 23 Alabama
Alabama finally climbs into the rankings while Florida is trying to move into the playoff picture.

ACC Tests
13 Louisville vs. Florida State
A real-or-fake moment for both. Florida State is on the brink of the top-25 and Louisville is trying to climb.

National games that matter but not on top of the card
Cal at 3 SMU
Another chance for Jennings to put up big numbers for his early Heisman run.

14 Texas Tech at Colorado
An upset could be on the cards with how bad Tech has been playing defense.

And of course—
2 Texas at South Carolina
The Arch Manning show continues in the toughest road environment he’s faced this season.

AP Top 25
1. Ohio State (2-0)
2. Texas (3-0)
3. SMU (3-0)
4. Georgia (3-0)
5. Oregon (3-0)
6. Indiana (2-0)
7. BYU (3-0)
8. Florida (3-0)
9. Duke (2-0)
10. Miami (1-1)
11. Texas A&M (2-1)
12. Baylor (3-0)
13. Louisville (2-0)
14. Texas Tech (3-0)
15. Michigan (3-0)
16. Kentucky (2-1)
17. Minnesota (2-1)
18. Missouri (3-0)
19. USC (3-0)
20. Penn State (1-1)
21. UCLA (2-1)
22. Illinois (2-0)
23. Alabama (2-0)
24. Ole Miss (3-0)
25. Notre Dame (2-2)

[ShireNiner]

Week 4: Gophers pass defense against a Husky attack
17 Minnesota at Washington

Minnesota rolls into Week 5 with momentum after outlasting No. 21 UCLA in a 47–45 shootout, while Washington is back home after a rivalry win at Washington State. It’s a matchup of contrasting styles, strengths, and identities — with early-season Big Ten positioning already at stake.

Washington Huskies (2–1, 0–1 Big Ten)
Washington’s offense enters this game humming behind quarterback Demond Williams Jr., who is the third best passer in the conference through three weeks. His 72% completion rate, 940 yards, and 10 TDs with zero turnovers have kept the Huskies explosive despite a run game that is barely over 100 yards per game. Despite passing the fourth most in the Big Ten, Washington have only allowed 3 sacks on the season. The Huskies average 331 passing yards per game, and Williams has spread the ball across multiple targets — none more dangerous than Nyziah Hunter (17 catches, 307 yards).

Defensively, Washington has been sturdy, giving up just 23 points per game and holding opponents to 107 rushing yards per outing. That’s critical against the Gophers’ ground-heavy identity. Linebacker Xe’Ree Alexander (23 tackles) anchors a unit that’s created a +4 turnover advantage.

17 Minnesota Golden Gophers (2–1, 1–0 Big Ten)
Minnesota’s identity has become crystal-clear: run the ball and run it again. The Gophers are piling up 270 rushing yards per game, led by national breakout star AJ Turner, who’s already at 564 yards and 5 TDs on a staggering 7.4 yards per carry. Fame Ijeboi has added a change-of-pace element, and the offensive line — especially freshman RT Robert Herndon (0 sacks allowed in 252 snaps) — is opening consistent lanes
.
Quarterback AJ Brand has been efficient when called upon (62%, 490 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INT), especially off play-action, and Minnesota is averaging 36 points per game, every point needed with how bad the Gopher defense has been.

And that’s where the concern lies: Minnesota is allowing 37.7 points per game, including 257 rushing yards and 264 passing yards per contest. The front seven has generated pressure — 12 sacks, the most in the Big Ten — but the inability to stop the run has led to long drives and shootout-style games every week. Linebackers Aidan Gousby, John Nestor, and impact freshman Mitch Horan are productive but will face their toughest test yet in Washington’s quick-strike passing scheme.

Key Battle: Washington’s Passing Attack vs. Minnesota’s Pass Defense
Minnesota is giving up 264 passing yards per game and has struggled to generate stops in key moments. Washington, meanwhile, is producing explosive plays through the air at one of the highest rates in the conference. If Minnesota can get pressure on Williams, the Gophers will come out on top.

[Count]

Demond Williams is a beast. Good luck

[redsox907]

I think you guys have a great shot if Turner can keep producing. Run the clock, #RTDB, and throw the puppies in the kennel

[ShireNiner]

Demond Williams is a beast. Good luck

Yes he was.. that sucked

I think you guys have a great shot if Turner can keep producing. Run the clock, #RTDB, and throw the puppies in the kennel

We ran.. just couldn't do anything else.