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Ohio State not overlooking Minnesota's weak defense
Thursday, September 27, 2007
COLUMBUS — First-year University of Minnesota football coach Tim Brewster is convinced he still can field a competitive defense this year, but he knows the process would go much faster if he could raid Ohio State's roster.
Perched at the top of Brewster's wish list is All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis, the Buckeyes' lone Minnesota-bred player.
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"I'm not going to lie to you, I've kind of looked at Laurinaitis and daydreamed about him wearing maroon and gold," Brewster said.
While watching the Buckeyes on film this week, Brewster spotted many more who would look good to him in Minnesota colors.
"Quite honestly, I felt like I was looking at a National Football League defense," said Brewster, a former assistant for the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers. "They just have tremendous talent, athleticism and speed on defense."
Those traits, of course, are in short supply among the Gophers (1-3, 0-1 Big Ten).
Of 119 teams in Division I-A, they rank last in total defense (543.2 yards per game) and passing defense (407.8). They're also 109th in points allowed (38.5).
But OSU coach Jim Tressel pointed out that foes have exploited the Gophers' minus-12 turnover margin this season. And although the Buckeyes are coming off a 58-7 thrashing of Northwestern — their highest-scoring game since blasting Pittsburgh 72-0 in 1996 — Tressel doesn't think anyone should naturally assume his team will ravage another defense this week.
"I think Minnesota's had like 16 turnovers, which all of a sudden now their defense is (back) on the field (at) their own 20," Tressel said.
Plus, he added, "Five of those kids on that defense are fifth-year kids, so it's not like they don't know what the Big Ten's about."
The Gophers' defensive shortcomings have been costly in losses to Bowling Green and Florida Atlantic, but Brewster has maintained a sunny outlook.
"I'm a 'half-full' guy," he said. "I believe we're going to be a very good football team this season. And our team does, too.
"We've just had too many self-inflicted wounds, and that's what we've got to fix."
Henton court date set
OSU backup quarterback Antonio Henton, who pleaded not guilty to a charge of soliciting for prostitution Tuesday, is scheduled to appear again in Franklin County Municipal Court on Oct. 15 before Judge Anne Taylor.
The redshirt freshman has been suspended from the team by coach Jim Tressel until the matter is resolved.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com
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