The Rossi effect
How the Gophers fared before and after Joe Rossi ascended to the defensive coordinator position:
First nine games of 2018 under Robb Smith: 4-5 record. Allowed an average of 31.8 points and 423.9 yards of total offense per game. Opponents converted 42% of third downs and 80% of fourth downs.
Final four games of 2018 under Rossi: 3-1 record. Allowed an average of 14.75 points and 300 yards of total offense per game. Opponents converted 24% of third downs and 50% of fourth downs.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Gophers
No. 3 Gophers pound out women's hockey win over No. 4 Minnesota Duluth
The Gophers gave UMD goalie Eve Gascon a 48-save workout in the first of back-to-back meetings.
Maple Grove withstands Shakopee's challenge in Class 6A football semifinal
Chuck Langama scored a touchdown in every quarter, driving the undefeated Crimson into a Prep Bowl final vs. Minnetonka.
Jackson County Central and Staples-Motley reach Class 2A Prep Bowl
Jackson County Central won without injured QB Roman Voss. Staples-Motley benefitted from turnovers and penalties against Chatfield.
Gophers
Gophers women's cross-country team snags spot in NCAA Championships
A second-place finish by Ali Weimer in the Midwest Regional helped Minnesota take second among teams.
Gophers
Gophers soccer team defeats South Dakota State in NCAA tournament
Sophia Boman scored both of Minnesota's goals and propelled it to a second-round matchup against South Carolina.