In the annual Battle for Floyd of Rosedale, the Gophers came out on top and finally got the pig back. It was a great game with extremely porous defense. A ton of offense, a great running game by both teams and Minnesota's defense creating some big turnovers at crucial times. Good game all around.

Iowa's PPs:
College: Iowa Conference: Big 10 Columnist: Adam Davis

Mike Jones 76 6' 5.0" 302 5.20 OG 2007: Showed great zone blocking skills throughout the game. Was never given a true test in pass protection because of lack of effort by interior d-line from Minnesota. Grade: B

Scott Chandler 87 6' 7.0" 257 4.70 TE 2007: Big target that can go down the seams. Shows decent speed for TE of his size. Sufficient run blocker but doesnt finish of blocks. Grade: B-

Drew Tate 5 6' 0.0" 192 4.66 QB 2007 : Drew in my opinion had a terrible game overall. His 3-step is extremely slow, giving DB's time to break on balls. Took a long time to make a decision as to where to throw the football. Was pulled in 3rd quarter after blowing up at teammates. Showed very little composure and acted like a 5 year old kid. I didnt think his arm strength was very impressive along with footwork. However, he did put together a huge drive after being benched. He is a fiery competitor but needs to control emotions. Grade: C-

Albert Young 21 5' 10.0" 209 4.56 HB 2008: Hard runner that shows a lot of patience running the zone scheme. Had a big day rushing and was the offensive mvp for Iowa in my opinion. Grade: B+

Mike Elgin 54 6' 4.0" 277 0.00 C 2007: Might be a bit undersized but moves extremely well running the zone. Great feet getting on his rail and creating cut backs for Albert Young. Grade: B

Minnesota's PP's
College: Minnesota Conference: Big 10 Columnist: Adam Davis

Matt Spaeth 89 6' 7.0" 265 4.75 TE 2007: Matt had a so-so day. He whiffed on a few cuts blocks and let defenders get off of blocks. With that being said, he is playing with a shoulder that needed surgery for 3 weeks. Great possesion TE that will drag defenders for a few extra yards and makes big plays in the red zone. Grade: B

Ernie Wheelwright 1 6' 5.0" 215 4.50 WR 2008: Made a huge catch on a deep ball for TD. Was very quiet rest of the game. Not sure if he has the complete package for the next level. Must improve on blocking skills. Grade C+

Logan Payne 84 6' 2.0" 205 4.48 WR 2007: Logan is a sleeper!! He is a great possesion reciever that is extremely hard to tackle one-on-one because of his size and strength. Makes big plays and adjusts to the football very well. Good blocker downfield!! Grade: B+

Sleepers:

Bryan Cupito, QB, Minn.-- Doesnt posess amazing athletic tools but manages the game well and is accurate. Great at selling playaction.

Willie Van de Steeg, DE, Minn-- Great motor, caused big fumble early that led to Minn. first score. Only a sophomore.

Jay Thomas, RB, Minn-- All purpose back. Runs the ball hard and can make a big play receiving. Hard to bring down. Only a freshman.

Hey Craig... nice report as usual...

Did Jay Thomas replace Amir Pinnix at starting RB? If so, did Pinnix get hurt or was he not producing?

Also, is Wheelwright able to get separation?

No Amir Pinnix had a great game (over 100 yds) with a td. Thomas just was a spark plug for the offense and is very young!! Alot of potential. I know potential is an ugly word but I just think he has more upside then Pinnix.

The only play he made he was able to get a few steps on the db and then maintain the separation. I think he frame alone makes hima great threat in the Red zone.

What are your feelings concerning RBs from Minnesota. I don't see much of Minnesota, but I hear people say that the success of the backs has more to do with the offense itself than the ability of the backs. Of course guys like Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney might say otherwise.

I guess I would say the system has something to do with it. It also has to do with the quality run-blocking lineman they have. The Gophers have had a 1,000 yard rusher 8 of 10 years under Mason. That says something itself. However, look at the success that Maroney and Barber III have had at New England and Dallas. They are dynamic players and give Maroney time and he will shine!!!!!

Too many people argue about some college players are system players!! Obviously QB's at Texas Tech and Hawaii will have enormous stats but not NFL quality skills. I do not think this is the case at Minnesota. I think their running game is known by potential recruits and these recruits might not be Top 10 recruits but they are good and they see the potential of getting a ton of carries and palying time.

I kind of went off subject there but I think MN rb's are good backs and with time I think Jay Thomas will be a all-big ten type back!!

Surprised not to see Marshal Yanda getting any pub here...might be a 1st day pick.

I agree... he's headed to the Senior Bowl, so someone thinks he's a prospect. I don't know if he's a first day guy (so few of the OGs are), but he's definitely draftable goods.