Minnesota Football: 2024 Golden Gophers Season Preview and Prediction

BleedGopher

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Minnesota 2024 Season Preview and Prediction​

Previewing Minnesota’s Offense for 2024​

The Golden Gophers’ success hinges on New Hampshire transfer quarterback Max Brosmer being a substantial upgrade over an inconsistent Athan Kaliakmanis last season. Brosmer, a senior who led FCS in passing a year ago, has shown himself to be a quick study. He’s also a budding leader and was named a team captain during spring practices.

Wideout Daniel Jackson, an All-Big Ten second-teamer in 2023, is a proven No. 1 target, but otherwise, there are question marks.

Freshman tailback Darius Taylor led the Big Ten in rushing after the first month of last season, but nagging injuries sidelined him for the middle of the season. Four returning offensive line starters, including stud left tackle Aireontae Ersery, will help head coach P.J. Fleck do what he loves to do most: run the ball.

Previewing Minnesota’s Defense for 2024​

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi left for the same job at Michigan State, and Fleck hired Rutgers linebacker coach Corey Hetherman as the new DC. Hetherman will use multiple fronts and spent spring ball simplifying the scheme to allow players to play faster.

All-Big Ten-caliber LB Cody Lindenberg returns after a frustrating and injury-marred season, while Devon Williams and Maverick Baranowski have added necessary seasoning.

All-America safety Tyler Nubin went to the NFL, so the Golden Gophers will need to replace his leadership and playmaking in the back end. Four-star recruit Koi Perich will try to help fill those big shoes.

Rush end Jah Joyner led the team with 46 pressures last season. Finding a replacement for nose tackle Kyler Baugh, a reliable anchor in the middle, is the second-biggest need after Nubin’s heir.

Previewing Minnesota’s Specialists for 2024​

The Big Ten Kicker of the Year, Dragan Kesich, returns after making 23-of-27 field goals last season. Punter Mark Crawford is also back but is looking for more distance on his boots. New special teams coordinator Bob Ligashesky will need to jumpstart a non-threatening return game. Quentin Redding has been Minnesota’s primary returner for the last few seasons, but competition might be coming to dislodge him.


Go Gophers!!
 




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