Minnesota: Three questions for the fall

[BleedGopher]

per ESPN:

Three questions for the fall

How much will Minnesota pass?: Leidner has reportedly improved his accuracy and timing, but it's still unknown just how much the Gophers will rely on his right arm. He threw 78 passes last season compared to 102 rushes, and there are questions as to how one-dimensional this offense might be.

New corps of linebackers: Wilson is the leader of the defense, but Minnesota still has two other starting spots to fill. De'Vondre Campbell appears to be one, but the other spot (perhaps filled by Jack Lynn) is not yet totally settled. There's also quite a bit of depth here this season, so the second team could have a lot of different looks.

Developing offensive playmakers at wideout: This was an emphasis of the Gophers this spring, but there's still no check mark next to this on Jerry Kill's to-do list. Drew Wolitarsky and Donovahn Jones both return and could give the Gophers a shot at some big plays, but they'll have to continue to progress. They combined for 416 yards last fall.

One way-too-early prediction

The tight ends will become an even more valuable weapon for Minnesota's offense. Maxx Williams was the leading receiver last season, but he shouldn't be the only tight end to make an impact. Eleven tight ends are listed on the roster, including 6-foot-10 Nate Wozniak, who seems like an intriguing red-zone target. There's also returnees Drew Goodger and Lincoln Plsek, along with Duke Anyanwu, who is finally healthy. Expect at least one of them to step up.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/99878/minnesota-spring-wrap-5

Go Gophers!!

 

[Gopher Bandanna Guy]

I think per usual, Limegrover will be using the run heavily, in order to set up the pass. Especially with the group of RBs we have, and another year of experience on the OL, there's no doubt we'll be a run-first offense. I'm not saying anything here that any Gopher fan doesn't already know. In terms of offensive production and efficiency via the pass, I'm confident it will be improved. Last year, we had WRs open more than I care to remember, but Nelson would too often put the ball behind or over the receiver, or into the ground way too often.

Leidner need not improve his accuracy from last season to already overtake Nelson in completion % (his 55.1% in 78 attempts to Nelson's 50.5% in 186 attempts). My hope is that even if Leidner completes 55% of his passes again this year (ideally I'd like to see him get up to 59-60% his soph year), that the run game will be further improved, enough so that it cuts our passing attempts by 5-10% this coming season, and further increases our Time of Possession.