Eric Decker left because of a sprained foot, ending up on crutches by the end of the day.
By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune
Last update: October 25, 2009 - 12:48 AM
COLUMBUS, OHIO ? Gophers receiver Eric Decker looked to be back in form Saturday, leading the offense when he hauled in a 16-yard pass in the first quarter against Ohio State. He was his third catch, for 27 yards, and the Gophers had just moved into Buckeyes territory in a scoreless game.
Unfortunately, Decker sprained his left foot on the play. He tried to return, but was pulled for the rest of the game. His status for next Saturday's game against Michigan State is unclear.
But this much is clear: The rest of the Gophers receivers know they are going to have to do more -- whether Decker is able to play or not -- for Minnesota to end a two-game losing streak.
"When Decker goes down, others have to step up," tight end Nick Tow-Arnett said.
History proves that. Decker badly sprained an ankle in the Gophers' game against Northwestern last year and never really was 100 percent for the rest of the regular season. The Gophers lost that Northwestern game in the final minute, and didn't win another game the rest of the season.
This week, the Gophers, 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten, will face Michigan State in the first of a three-game homestand that will decide the team's bowl fate. Minnesota needs six victories to be bowl eligible -- seven to match last year's total.
But it will take more from a group of receivers that dropped a bunch of balls Saturday. To be fair, Decker had one of those drops. But there were others.
"Dropped passes hurt us," Gophers coach Tim Brewster said. "[Decker] is our best player. Unfortunately he sprained his foot. ... It's a tough loss. He gives our team inspiration. But you know what? Next man up. It's other guys' opportunities to step up and make plays. And I'm disappointed we didn't make more plays at the receiver position."
Seven players had at least one reception Saturday. Troy Stoudermire had four for 47 yards and a score. Tow-Arnett, the starting tight end, had three. The rest of the Gophers' wide receivers totaled only three catches.
By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune
Last update: October 25, 2009 - 12:48 AM
COLUMBUS, OHIO ? Gophers receiver Eric Decker looked to be back in form Saturday, leading the offense when he hauled in a 16-yard pass in the first quarter against Ohio State. He was his third catch, for 27 yards, and the Gophers had just moved into Buckeyes territory in a scoreless game.
Unfortunately, Decker sprained his left foot on the play. He tried to return, but was pulled for the rest of the game. His status for next Saturday's game against Michigan State is unclear.
But this much is clear: The rest of the Gophers receivers know they are going to have to do more -- whether Decker is able to play or not -- for Minnesota to end a two-game losing streak.
"When Decker goes down, others have to step up," tight end Nick Tow-Arnett said.
History proves that. Decker badly sprained an ankle in the Gophers' game against Northwestern last year and never really was 100 percent for the rest of the regular season. The Gophers lost that Northwestern game in the final minute, and didn't win another game the rest of the season.
This week, the Gophers, 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten, will face Michigan State in the first of a three-game homestand that will decide the team's bowl fate. Minnesota needs six victories to be bowl eligible -- seven to match last year's total.
But it will take more from a group of receivers that dropped a bunch of balls Saturday. To be fair, Decker had one of those drops. But there were others.
"Dropped passes hurt us," Gophers coach Tim Brewster said. "[Decker] is our best player. Unfortunately he sprained his foot. ... It's a tough loss. He gives our team inspiration. But you know what? Next man up. It's other guys' opportunities to step up and make plays. And I'm disappointed we didn't make more plays at the receiver position."
Seven players had at least one reception Saturday. Troy Stoudermire had four for 47 yards and a score. Tow-Arnett, the starting tight end, had three. The rest of the Gophers' wide receivers totaled only three catches.
