Here is the link to the article referenced in the OP:
With Nebraska and Wisconsin bringing in new coaching staffs, Minnesota has a chance to take the Big Ten West title. Where do the rest of the teams fall? Lee Barfknecht previews the division.
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1. MINNESOTA
Coach: Jerry Kill, fifth year, 25-26
2014 record: 8-5, (5-3, T-second)
Returning starters: 14 (5 offense, 7 defense, 2 kickers)
Overall: Program-fixer Jerry Kill has the Gophers on the move, going from 3-9 to 6-7 to 8-5 twice. With a roster full of his recruits now, Minnesota wants more and is positioned to take it with Wisconsin and Nebraska dealing with coaching changes.
Offense Big Ten rank: 4
TE Maxx Williams leaving for the NFL was a big blow. But QB Mitch Leidner keeps making steady improvement, and there is much more speed at RB and WR to draw on. The offensive line — all juniors and seniors — averages 308 pounds.
Defense Big Ten rank: 3
The secondary might be the country’s best, as both corners and both safeties are honors candidates. The defensive line is young but sneaky good. And the LBs, even with stud MLB Damien Wilson gone, sparkled in spring ball.
Coaching Big Ten rank: 4
Kill, with a cluster of longtime assistants, has earned strong respect throughout the league. That group makes the best of what they’ve got. Now, the talent level and overall athleticism are much improved.
Intangibles Big Ten rank: 3
Despite the progress under Kill, many still think the Gophers are maxed out as an eight-win program. The players and coaches are out to prove that wrong. And this might be the perfect year to do that.
Coachspeak: “I’ve never been worried about where you are picked. I worry about where we’re at the end of the year. We firmly believe we’ll be a more athletic team and a better football team than a year ago.” — Jerry Kill
Prediction: 9-3, 6-2, Citrus Bowl (Orlando)
http://www.omaha.com/huskers/capsul...cle_e3522b50-4eaf-11e5-8145-b719f0df647e.html
Go Gophers!!
