BleedGopher
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Per Kubas:
Offensive Coordinator: Matt Simon and Greg Harbaugh Jr. (5th and 2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Corey Hetherman (1st season)
Thanks to a lack of six-win teams, Minnesota earned a bowl bid against the Bowling Green State Falcons in the Quick Lane Bowl. They won 30-24, extending their bowl-game win streak to seven. Despite the successful finish to the season, the 2023 Gophers squad failed to live up to the standard set by past teams.
Minnesota has had multiple impressive seasons since Fleck took over the program, including an 11-2 season in 2019 where the Gophers finished 10th in the final AP poll. The loss of long-time starting quarterback Tanner Morgan as well as bell cow runner Mohamed Ibrahim really hurt their offense last season.
They also lost multiple starters to the NFL and transfer portal such as corner Terell Smith, center John Michael Schmitz, safety Jordan Howden, and corner Beanie Bishop. Overall, Minnesota has a lot of work to do if they want to return to the highs of a few years ago.
Running back: Darius Taylor (pictured above)
Wide receiver: Daniel Jackson
Offensive lineman: Aireontae Ersery
The Gophers don’t have much established star power on offense, but three players stand out as potential difference-makers. Sophomore running back Darius Taylor was outstanding in limited action last season, running for 799 yards and five touchdowns in just six games. Receiver Daniel Jackson accounted for nearly half of their passing yardage last season and should be the primary target again in 2024.
Perhaps the most important player though will protect new quarterback Max Brosmer’s blindside. Left tackle Aireontae Ersery is getting first-round buzz as the season draws near, and it’s hard not to believe the hype after an excellent 2023 season. If all of the pieces can come together quickly enough, this offense should score much more than the 21 per game they did a year ago.
Cornerbacks: Justin Walley, Jack Henderson
Defensive Line: Jah Joyner, Jalen Logan-Redding
Minnesota took a step back defensively last season after being among the top defenses in the country in 2021 and 2022. They will rely on a strong senior unit in the secondary and defensive line, headlined by defensive end Jah Joyner and corner Justin Walley. They also have a strong linebacker duo in Cody Lindenberg and Maverick Baronowski. I expect the Gophers to be much stronger on defense in 2024.
Minnesota may end up in a similar spot record-wise this year in the new-look Big Ten, but they are talented enough and coached well enough to play spoiler for the top teams in the conference. Penn State demolished Minnesota in their recent matchup back in the 2022 season 45-17, but that was in Happy Valley. They will have to go on the road this time and win if they want to solidify their place in the standings in late November.
Overall, Penn State clearly has the edge in terms of talent in this matchup. By the time this game takes place, however, who knows where each team will be in terms of health and even the standings. Regardless, the Nittany Lions would be wise to take the Gophers seriously.
nittanylionswire.usatoday.com
Go Gophers!!
Coaching Staff
Head coach: P.J. Fleck (8th season)Offensive Coordinator: Matt Simon and Greg Harbaugh Jr. (5th and 2nd season)
Defensive Coordinator: Corey Hetherman (1st season)
Recent History
Minnesota has had plenty of success during coach P.J. Fleck’s tenure, but last season was a step back for the proud program. They were 5-3 at one point and looked like a sure bet to be above .500 for the fifth time under Fleck, but a four-game losing streak to finish the season left them at just 5-7.Thanks to a lack of six-win teams, Minnesota earned a bowl bid against the Bowling Green State Falcons in the Quick Lane Bowl. They won 30-24, extending their bowl-game win streak to seven. Despite the successful finish to the season, the 2023 Gophers squad failed to live up to the standard set by past teams.
Minnesota has had multiple impressive seasons since Fleck took over the program, including an 11-2 season in 2019 where the Gophers finished 10th in the final AP poll. The loss of long-time starting quarterback Tanner Morgan as well as bell cow runner Mohamed Ibrahim really hurt their offense last season.
They also lost multiple starters to the NFL and transfer portal such as corner Terell Smith, center John Michael Schmitz, safety Jordan Howden, and corner Beanie Bishop. Overall, Minnesota has a lot of work to do if they want to return to the highs of a few years ago.
Offensive Stars
Quarterback: Max BrosmerRunning back: Darius Taylor (pictured above)
Wide receiver: Daniel Jackson
Offensive lineman: Aireontae Ersery
The Gophers don’t have much established star power on offense, but three players stand out as potential difference-makers. Sophomore running back Darius Taylor was outstanding in limited action last season, running for 799 yards and five touchdowns in just six games. Receiver Daniel Jackson accounted for nearly half of their passing yardage last season and should be the primary target again in 2024.
Perhaps the most important player though will protect new quarterback Max Brosmer’s blindside. Left tackle Aireontae Ersery is getting first-round buzz as the season draws near, and it’s hard not to believe the hype after an excellent 2023 season. If all of the pieces can come together quickly enough, this offense should score much more than the 21 per game they did a year ago.
Defensive Stars
Linebackers: Cody Lindenberg, Maverick BaronowskiCornerbacks: Justin Walley, Jack Henderson
Defensive Line: Jah Joyner, Jalen Logan-Redding
Minnesota took a step back defensively last season after being among the top defenses in the country in 2021 and 2022. They will rely on a strong senior unit in the secondary and defensive line, headlined by defensive end Jah Joyner and corner Justin Walley. They also have a strong linebacker duo in Cody Lindenberg and Maverick Baronowski. I expect the Gophers to be much stronger on defense in 2024.
Bottom Line
Penn State won’t see Minnesota until near the end of the season, at which point a potential Big Ten title berth and a College Football Playoff spot could be up for grabs. While they have many tougher games on paper this season, James Franklin and his players cannot afford to take the Gophers lightly.Minnesota may end up in a similar spot record-wise this year in the new-look Big Ten, but they are talented enough and coached well enough to play spoiler for the top teams in the conference. Penn State demolished Minnesota in their recent matchup back in the 2022 season 45-17, but that was in Happy Valley. They will have to go on the road this time and win if they want to solidify their place in the standings in late November.
Overall, Penn State clearly has the edge in terms of talent in this matchup. By the time this game takes place, however, who knows where each team will be in terms of health and even the standings. Regardless, the Nittany Lions would be wise to take the Gophers seriously.
5 things to know about the Minnesota Golden Gophers
How does Minnesota look heading into the new-look Big Ten in 2024?
nittanylionswire.usatoday.com
Go Gophers!!
