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Blake Cashman was sensational in today's #Vikings game. His speed and playmaking ability change this defense alongside Eric Wilson. Cash's versatility is massive - blitzes, coverage, deconstructing/blading through blocks. He's just playing one step ahead of everyone right now. I love the way Flores is attacking protections with the LBs. Their versatility, speed, lateral quickness and physicality put so much pressure on the ID and communication of the OL/QB. You're constantly guessing and thinking, especially in long passing downs. It puts opposing RBs in tough protection situations too. You can't change the picture and mix things up like this without great range, instincts and versatility in the LB room. It's been huge early in the season.

A #Gophers notebook for the morning ☕️:

The #Gophers defense delivered in a 13-10 win over Iowa. Minnesota’s defenders executed the game plan, playing confident, physical & urgent. The #Gophers' offense made the key 4th quarter play & Drzewiecki sealed it with a FG. My initial notebook: gophersguru.com/2026/10/24/n…

The #Gophers made the high leverage plays when it mattered most. Drake Lindsey slipping out, extending the play and finding Jalen Smith for a 39-yard gain. Drzewiecki drains a 46-yard field goal as time expires and Minnesota wins 13-10, claiming Floyd of Rosedale. Postgame notebook coming soon on GophersGuru.com!

On the explosive TD, the #Gophers dropped into Cover 2 invert. Nestor and Brown played deep halves with Mekhai Smith as the middle hole player. Blown assignment as Vander Zee runs a deep post into the middle for a 37-yard TD.

The wrinkle with Javon Tracy tucking into backfield was key on the last drive. Short toss for 23 yards. He then motioned into the backfield for a screen (12 yards). Minnesota also ran a little TE delay design up the seam for Voss, which nicely attacked Iowa's zone coverage. Darius Taylor punched it in via the Wildcat for a one-yard TD, giving the #Gophers a 10-3 lead with 8:08 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

#Gophers halftime thoughts: - Defense has been rolling zones and mixing things up. Inverting the CBs into the deep half at times. In the first half, block deconstruction and leverage were much better. Anthony Smith's physicality popped a little, especially against the run. Iowa may try rolling the pocket and using some 3-level floods in the second half. - Iowa has been mixing in blitzes and stunts. Zone pressure with LB, nickel blitz. Both had success and one produced an INT. With DJ Shipp out, the Gophers moved Bennett Warren to RT and Jerome Williams came in at LG. Can the Gophers pick things up properly along the LOS during the second half? It will be a huge key. I'm expecting more DL movement and blitzes (especially up the middle) from the Hawkeyes. Ball has to be out quick. - Special teams and field position will continue to be a big part of this game. Blocked punt for Minnesota and a successful fake punt by Iowa in the first half. Who can make the winning plays in that phase? - The first drive out of half will set the tone for the rest of this game.

Iowa's defense had success sending a zone pressure with Jayden Montgomery (throwaway). Then, on 3rd-and-long, a nickel pressure sped Lindsey up, resulting in an INT. Iowa had two false starts in one sequence, backing them up. Hawkeyes kicked a field goal. Game is tied at 3.

#Gophers defense gets a three-and-out and then Mason Carrier busts through, blocking a punt. An early special teams contribution for Minnesota. Three plays later, Luke Drzewiecki hits a 31-yard field and the #Gophers lead 3-0.

Picture perfect fall weather ahead of #Gophers vs. Iowa! Follow along for analysis here and at GophersGuru.com.

Welcome to #Gophers game day 🏈! The site is packed with breakdowns, a two-part Iowa game preview, podcast and much more. Check it out now: GophersGuru.com!

If you’re looking for an in-depth #Gophers-Iowa preview podcast, here it is:

College games I'm intrigued to watch this week: - JMU @ App State - Duke @ Virginia - LSU @ Auburn - USC @ Wisconsin - Ole Miss @ Texas - NDSU @ New Mexico - Houston @ Utah

A new #Gophers Guru podcast is live! In this show, I covered: - Defending Iowa's running game - Hecklinski at QB - what does he bring? - Tony Diaz: fun to watch! - Phil Parker's new wrinkles - Keys for both teams - College Football Parity Listen here: gophersguru.com/2026/10/22/g…

Coordinators Danny Collins and Greg Harbaugh Jr. detailed Minnesota’s bye week approach, including areas of improvement the coaching staff prioritized. What adjustments did the #Gophers emphasize? Read more in my latest piece: gophersguru.com/2026/10/21/d…

#Gophers OC Greg Harbaugh Jr. said the offense is putting an emphasis on being better late in the down:

#Gophers Danny Collins talked about Iowa’s running game and the various changeups you have to be ready for.

In part two of this week's Chalk Talk, I wrote about the #Gophers offense vs. Iowa's defense. Hawkeyes DC Phil Parker is doing a great job of adapting to his personnel, especially in the LB room. Learn more in my preview: gophersguru.com/2026/10/20/c…

Big Ten players who are popping while studying tape: Illinois: WR Collin Dixon Indiana: EDGE Tobi Osunsanmi Iowa: DT Bryce Hawthorne Maryland: EDGE Zion Elee Michigan State: DT Ben Roberts Michigan: Safety Chris Bracy Minnesota: Center Greg Johnson Nebraska: Safety Dwayne McDougle III Northwestern: RB Joseph Himon Ohio State: DB Jay Timmons Oregon: LB Devon Jackson Purdue: WR Xavier Townsend Rutgers: RG Kwabena Asamoah UCLA: LB Sammy Omosigho USC: LT Elijah Paige Washington: Safety Alex McLaughlin Wisconsin: Nickel Bryce West