Twin Cities Pioneer Press: Healthy Shevlin leads Gopher defense

Linebacker healed from shoulder pain

BY JOHN SHIPLEY

Read the entire article here.

Minnesota's returning leading tackler with 74 last season, Shevlin was back in a familiar spot on Thursday, leading the Gophers with eight stops in a 44-0 victory at Dix Stadium.

 

Excerpt:

“Minnesota (1-0) hasn't faced a ranked nonconference opponent in 10 years, and it's possible Cal (0-1) won't be ranked at the end of today. The Bears were humiliated 35-18 Saturday by No. 23 Tennessee in their season opener. Cal had been picked by many to contend for a national championship. After the hit the Bears took in Knoxville, Tenn., that dream is over. Regardless, the Bears will be the best team Minnesota has faced this early in years.  "It's an opportunity," Shevlin said, "and you've got to be excited because you don't get opportunities like this in the preseason. Usually teams are trying to dodge (big-time) teams and stay healthy. This is a real test for us.  "The way I see it, you can only get better playing when you play good teams. We'll learn a lot."

Briefly: Coach Glen Mason said freshman tailback E.J. Jones' sprained ankle was the only significant injury in Thursday's victory.