INSIDE SLANT

What if?

What if the Gophers had found more offensive firepower toward the end of a 35-21 loss to Cal, a game tied through three quarters?

What if they’d kept the momentum in the third quarter of a 31-28 loss against Wisconsin before a costly turnover changed everything?

And what if they hadn’t fallen into that 28-7 deficit at halftime in a 35-32 loss against Illinois?

Those three home losses cost the Gophers a chance to play in a top-tier, non-BCS bowl. A second consecutive trip to the Insight Bowl in Tempe, Ariz., where they’ll face Iowa State Dec. 31, will have to suffice.

Not that that particular bowl or destination creates warm, bubbly holiday feelings around Minneapolis.

The Gophers have had souring experiences in previous trips to the Insight Bowl. Last season, they lost a 41-21 blowout to Kansas. In 2006, they led Texas Tech 38-7, but a late rally led to a 44-41 overtime loss for the Gophers which helped cost Glen Mason his job.

But with all of the team’s struggles, a postseason bowl game was never a guarantee.

They lost Biletnikoff nominee Eric Decker eight games into the season. They never identified a go-to running back. And Eric Decker had all kinds of problems with the transition from the spread to a pro-style attack.

Two big spotlights will follow the Gophers throughout the Insight Bowl.

With a win, Tim Brewster would have his second consecutive 7-6 season, two years removed from a 1-11 campaign. Will that be enough to get him a contract extension? A loss would certainly place him squarely on the hot seat entering Year 4—which does seem to be a certainty—next season.

Plus, fans and supporters will hope to see a month’s worth of off-time result in better production on offense. Simply put, Minnesota’s offensive scheme wasn’t simplified enough for the Gophers. New offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch led the Big Ten’s worst scoring offense (21.6 points per game). An Insight Bowl win against Iowa State (22.6 points allowed per game, No. 6 in the Big 12) that features offensive success will certainly give Fisch and his offense a huge vote of confidence.

NOTES, QUOTES

Scouting The Offense:   A new offensive coordinator with a new multiple-formation, pro-style attack was supposed to spark the offense. That didn’t happen. QB Adam Weber regressed. The Gophers tried out a trio of running backs but never found “the guy.” RB Duane Bennett, a redshirt sophomore, carried the load (376 yards, six touchdowns) a year after an ACL injury ended his season but never found a rhythm. TE Nick Tow-Arnett became a very reliable target down the stretch. And with WR Eric Decker out for the year, sophomore Brandon Green showed flashes of his potential. But there are still a lot of problems with the Big Ten’s worst total offense (295.8 yards per game).

Scouting The Defense:   With all of the inconsistency on offense, Minnesota’s defense has been the Gophers’ anchor. Linebackers Lee Campbell (9.3 tackles per game), Nate Triplett (7.9) and Simoni Lawrence (6.4) are all rated among the top 25 tacklers in the league. DE Cedric McKinley’s three fumbles recovered in 10 games topped the league. CB Marcus Sherels has seven pass break-ups and two picks in nine games for the Big Ten’s No. 5 pass defense (217.6 yards per game allowed).

Matchup To Watch:   Minnesota LB Lee Campbell vs. Iowa State RB Alexander Robinson—Robinson’s been one of the Big 12’s best runners (1,058 yards). The 5-9, 187-pound Minneapolis, Minn., native played through a groin injury earlier this season. Campbell was one of the top defenders in the Big Ten. He’s not the fastest linebacker in the country, but he utilizes his speed efficiently with great angles of pursuit.

Quote To Note:   “We are very excited about returning to the Insight Bowl. It’s an incredible venue and a terrific organization. John Junker and his staff do an amazing job and I’m sure our players and fans will have a great time in Tempe. Taking on an up-and-coming Iowa State program will be a tremendous challenge and the matchup should be of great interest to college football fans across the nation and especially in this region of the country.”—Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster on the team’s invite to its second straight Insight Bowl.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

Bowl Breakdown:   Minnesota vs. Iowa State, Insight Bowl, Dec. 31, Tempe, Ariz.—This is Minnesota’s second consecutive trip to the Insight Bowl and the program’s third in four years. Minnesota’s making its 14th bowl appearance, its ninth in 11 seasons. The Gophers own a 22-2-1 record in 25 contests against the Cyclones.

Players To Watch:  

QB MarQueis Gray—The freshman was Tim Brewster’s top recruit a year ago and flashes of his amazing athleticism were on display at various times this season. Will his role expand in the bowl game, as coaches try to assess whether he’ll be ready to take over this spring?

QB Adam Weber—Losing a top receiver would affect any quarterback’s trajectory. But Weber has had more problems than the loss of WR Eric Decker. He hasn’t looked comfortable all year. And now, he’ll have to show his coaching staff that he has what it takes to lead the Gophers next season, while a talented freshman waits patiently behind him.

CB Marcus Sherels—He’s had a variety of injuries and was forced to miss three games. But when healthy, he’s been one of Minnesota’s top defenders. The Gophers will need him to really step up against Iowa State, which doesn’t have a good passing attack.

LB Lee Campbell—The senior linebacker has been a significant part of an improving Gophers defense. In his final game, he has a chance to go out on a good note. He’ll be the most important player in the Gophers’ attempt to neutralize RB Alexander Robinson.

Roster Report:  

• New Orleans prep DT Harold Legania committed to the Gophers last week, according to Rivals.com.

• When he was first injured, WR Eric Decker thought there’d be a chance for him to get back if the Gophers qualified for a bowl game. But his season-ending foot injury will barely give him time to prepare for NFL tryouts. He’s expected to miss the NFL combine while he heals.

• C Jeff Tow-Arnett has made miraculous progress after suffering a broken leg in October. The injury was thought to be a season-ender, but doctors cleared Tow-Arnett to play in the team’s final regular season game. He should be available for his final game in maroon and gold.