**Rutgers Upset: 5 Things Minnesota Learned**

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Post on Nov 10, 2024

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Rutgers Upset: 5 Things Minnesota Learned

The Big Ten is a notoriously tough conference, and upsets are always around the corner. This past weekend, Minnesota learned that lesson the hard way, falling to Rutgers 17-7 in a game that exposed some weaknesses in the Golden Gophers' game plan. While the loss stings, it also provides valuable insight into areas where the team needs to improve. Here are 5 key takeaways from the upset:

1. Rutgers' Defense is No Joke

The Scarlet Knights' defense was a major factor in the game, stifling Minnesota's offense and creating turnovers. Minnesota's offense, which averaged over 30 points per game coming into the matchup, was held to just 7 points, a testament to Rutgers' impressive defensive performance. This was a major wake-up call for the Golden Gophers, showing that even against less-favored opponents, a dominant defense can completely change the momentum of a game.

2. The Running Game Needs to Find its Groove

Minnesota's rushing attack, a cornerstone of their offensive strategy, struggled to gain traction against Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights' defensive line was consistently in the backfield, making it difficult for the Gophers to establish any kind of running rhythm. This lack of production put a lot of pressure on the passing game, which ultimately wasn't able to carry the load. The team needs to find a way to get their running game going again, as it's essential for balance and efficiency.

3. Turnovers are a Killer

Turnovers are a plague for any football team, and they proved to be costly for Minnesota in this game. The Golden Gophers coughed up the ball on multiple occasions, giving Rutgers prime field position and ultimately changing the flow of the game. Minimizing these mistakes will be critical for future success, as they can easily snowball into a larger problem.

4. The Importance of Special Teams

Special teams play can often be overlooked, but they are a vital part of any football game. Minnesota's special teams struggled against Rutgers, giving up big returns and missing field goals. These lapses in performance can be the difference between winning and losing, and the Golden Gophers need to address these issues before their next game.

5. There's No Room for Underestimating Opponents

The Rutgers game was a stark reminder that in college football, any team can win on any given day. Minnesota cannot afford to approach any game with complacency. The Golden Gophers need to treat every opponent with respect and focus on executing their game plan to the best of their abilities.

Looking Ahead

The loss to Rutgers is a tough pill to swallow, but it also presents an opportunity for Minnesota to learn and grow. By addressing the areas highlighted above, the Golden Gophers can put themselves in a better position to succeed in the highly competitive Big Ten conference. The team will need to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and come out with a renewed focus in their upcoming games.