Gophers' Maxx Williams Offers Team Confidence For Ohio Game
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – It's guarded optimism for the Gopher football team. They are hoping to pull off an upset against Ohio State at home at 11 a.m. Saturday.
But they have confidence coming off of the blow out over Iowa, and, as Mike Max explains, they have confidence because of a tight end that's quite a weapon.
When you own three trophies of the four you play for, and you put them on display, there is a sense of confidence.
When you have a tight end like Maxx Williams, there is even more room for optimism.
Williams has been making catches that have surprised everyone all season. Everyone but his teammates.
"Maxx does that every day in practice. So, it all carries over to the game. And that's what amazes me, for him to be that consistent and for it to carry over into the game," Gopher receiver KJ Maye said.
Williams is becoming the best at his position in the state, maybe the country.
Last week he was rewarded for patience and was able to show off his abilities. Not every game does he get that chance.
"It's just going out there and doing our job, what's best for the team. I mean, if a receiver's open and I'm not, let him get the ball. Let him get yards and touchdowns. And if you have to run the ball, so be it. It's just about the team," Williams said.
But what he does is what's expected.
"He lays out. He'll dive for a ball and in practice on the 707 drill and the coaches are not fond of that. But he makes the catch and get up like it's routine," running back David Cobb said.
Williams knows that this week he'll get plenty of attention from the Ohio State defense.
He also knows this: the Gophers get to play at home in a marquee match-up.
And you can't ask for much more.
So, the Buckeyes are coming to the tundra, and Williams says bring it on.
"It's Minnesota," Williams said of the weather, "We'll see if Ohio State likes the cold weather because I know we practice in it, so we'll be fine."
The Gopher take on Ohio State at TCF Bank Stadium Saturday, Nov. 15 at 11 a.m.