BleedGopher
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per the Orlando Sentinel:
Strengths: Injuries forced Minnesota to start eight different players on the offensive line, with tackle Jonah Pirsig the only returning player to have started all 13 games. His dependability and versatility earned him the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Year award. Despite so much turmoil, the group did manage to allow just 18 quarterback sacks in 2015 — the lowest total since 2010. A pair of junior college transfers will provide immediate help as the line looks to replace several players.
A pair of sophomores will key Minnesota’s rushing attack as Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith return to provide much-needed stability in the backfield. The duo combined for 1,379 yards on the ground and nine total touchdowns.
Mitch Leidner, a three-year starter at quarterback, returns to lead the offense. The said the senior will be dealing with a new offensive coordinator in Jay Johnson, who moved over from Louisiana-Lafayette during the offseason. Leidner set career highs for passing yards (2,701) last season.
Claeys’ previous position was defensive coordinator and under his watch, Minnesota was a decent defensive team. The promotion of Jay Sawvel from defensive backs coach will could provide a smooth and seamless transition. Top returning tackler Cody Poock, Jack Lynn and Jalen Myrick will help steer the defense.
Weaknesses: Minnesota finished near the bottom of the Big Ten in total offense after averaging 359 yards and 23 points per game last season. That prompted Claeys to bring in Johnson as the program’s new offensive coordinator. It’s his job to jumpstart a group that features six returning starters.
The secondary provided Minnesota with one of the best passing defenses in the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers allowed just 180 yards per game through the air. Most of the group is gone, including the top two players in Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Eric Murray, leaving the team to find some fresh faces to step up in 2016.
Outlook: There’s no denying Kill’s impact on Minnesota and his premature departure leaves the program at a bit of crossroads. Claeys will continue his predecessor’s work, but the first-year coach is already putting his own stamp on this team. The nonconference schedule is winnable and with no Michigan, Michigan State or Ohio State on the schedule, this team could post a winning season.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...countdown-no-59-minnesota-20160627-story.html
Go Gophers!!
Strengths: Injuries forced Minnesota to start eight different players on the offensive line, with tackle Jonah Pirsig the only returning player to have started all 13 games. His dependability and versatility earned him the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Year award. Despite so much turmoil, the group did manage to allow just 18 quarterback sacks in 2015 — the lowest total since 2010. A pair of junior college transfers will provide immediate help as the line looks to replace several players.
A pair of sophomores will key Minnesota’s rushing attack as Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith return to provide much-needed stability in the backfield. The duo combined for 1,379 yards on the ground and nine total touchdowns.
Mitch Leidner, a three-year starter at quarterback, returns to lead the offense. The said the senior will be dealing with a new offensive coordinator in Jay Johnson, who moved over from Louisiana-Lafayette during the offseason. Leidner set career highs for passing yards (2,701) last season.
Claeys’ previous position was defensive coordinator and under his watch, Minnesota was a decent defensive team. The promotion of Jay Sawvel from defensive backs coach will could provide a smooth and seamless transition. Top returning tackler Cody Poock, Jack Lynn and Jalen Myrick will help steer the defense.
Weaknesses: Minnesota finished near the bottom of the Big Ten in total offense after averaging 359 yards and 23 points per game last season. That prompted Claeys to bring in Johnson as the program’s new offensive coordinator. It’s his job to jumpstart a group that features six returning starters.
The secondary provided Minnesota with one of the best passing defenses in the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers allowed just 180 yards per game through the air. Most of the group is gone, including the top two players in Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Eric Murray, leaving the team to find some fresh faces to step up in 2016.
Outlook: There’s no denying Kill’s impact on Minnesota and his premature departure leaves the program at a bit of crossroads. Claeys will continue his predecessor’s work, but the first-year coach is already putting his own stamp on this team. The nonconference schedule is winnable and with no Michigan, Michigan State or Ohio State on the schedule, this team could post a winning season.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...countdown-no-59-minnesota-20160627-story.html
Go Gophers!!
