Gophers run defense will be tested early and often this season

[BleedGopher]

Per Tony:

Ultimately there will be a lot of familiar faces along the Gophers' front seven this season, and the unit's ability to stop the run will be tested early and often.

Starting in Week 1, Minnesota will face North Carolina and star running back Omarion Hampton. He was fifth in the country last season with 1,504 rushing yards. His success did not come against the Gophers in Week 3, as they held him to only 46 yards on 13 carries, which was his third-lowest output of the season. But, with a lot of questions at the quarterback position, they will likely lean even more heavily on him to start the season.

The Gophers will get a breather against Rhode Island and Nevada in Weeks 2 and 3, but then face two very run-heavy schemes to open Big Ten play. Iowa and Michigan both ranked near the top-30 in run percentage last season and they might run the ball even more in 2024.

Gophers run defense will be tested early and often this season

Last season, Minnesota's defense allowed 149.1 rushing yards per game, which ranked 62nd in the FBS.

www.si.com

Go Gophers!!