Gophers Football Defense Has Violent Debut Under Danny Collins
The season-opening win over Buffalo was coordinator Danny Collins’ first game calling the Gophers’ defense, and it didn’t look like it was his debut. Collins’ unit allowed only 151 total yards across a paltry 44 total plays in a 23-10 win at Huntington Bank Stadium, showcasing their dominance from the start.
They had seven tackles for lost yards and allowed only one explosive play, demonstrating their ability to control the game. Head coach P.J. Fleck was impressed with Collins’ performance, saying, “(Collins) acted like he’s done it for 50 years. He’s so poised on the headsets. He knows what he wants. He’s a great communicator. He’s a great teacher. He’s really good with the staff.”
Gophers cornerback Za’Quan Bryan breaks up a pass in the second half against Buffalo in Minnesota’s season opener Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. (Brad Rempel / Gopher Sports)
Creating HAVOC
Collins wants his defense to create HAVOC, an acronym nickname for the unit where the “V” stands for violence. Defensive tackle Deven Eastern explained, “We went into the game looking to play … 60 minutes of violent football. That was our goal: Attack every rep and be as violent as we can.”
Fleck was particularly impressed with how the U defense responded after Drake Lindsey’s weird interception was returned 54 yards to Minnesota’s 23-yard line. Running back Darius Taylor’s pursuit kept the Bulls from scoring a game-tying touchdown. Then the defense gave up only five net yards and forced the Bulls to kick a field goal.
Key Performances
Last week, Collins called running back Al-Jay Henderson the Bulls “best player.” He had rushed for 5.3 yards per carry when going over 1,000 yards on the ground last year, but Minnesota kept him to 2.3 per rush and 25 total yards on Thursday. In their first game without leader Cody Lindenberg, linebackers Maverick Baranowski and Devon Williams led the way with 10 and eight tackles, respectively.
Williams added a sack, while Anthony Smith and Jalen Logan-Redding were credited with a half sack apiece. Minnesota had 10 total pressures on Buffalo’s 20 pass attempts. Smith said, “That’s our DNA. That is why we named our defense HAVOC.”
A handful of personnel from NFL teams were in Minneapolis to watch Thursday’s game, and the 6-foot-6, 290-pound Smith was likely on the top of their must-see list. On the day, he added another tackle for loss and a pass breakup in 35 snaps. Smith was asked what was different about Collins compared to previous coordinators Corey Hetherman and Joe Rossi.
“I would say FBI, football intelligence,” Smith said. “He definitely makes us learn a lot more about what is happening on the back end. It makes us better players going to the NFL.” Smith said an example would be understanding the width of a split for a receiver and how that might tip off a crack block is coming his way.
Injuries and Upcoming Games
New starting cornerbacks Za’Quan Bryan and Iowa transfer John Nestor each had a pass break-up as the Bulls passed for 107 yards. The Gophers’ defense played without two nickel backs — Darius Green and Jai’Onte McMillan — and cornerback Mike Gerald. Plus, two backup defensive tackles are out — Theoin Randle has a foot injury, while Purdue transfer Mo Omonode is out for the season with a back injury.
“We’re gonna get some guys back, but I’m glad we have a few extra days as we keep going forward here,” Fleck said with Northwestern (La.) State next at home on Sept. 6. “So, rest up and go at it again.” For more information on the Gophers’ football team, visit Here
Image Source: www.twincities.com
