Tom Dienhart on MN/TCU: Gophers need to win up front, in the trenches

[BleedGopher]

per Dienhart's Q&A:

Where do the Gophers have an advantage against TCU in the season opener? Or maybe a better question: What unit has to win in order for the Gophers to beat the Horned Frogs? – Greg Bohnsack

I think the Gophers need to win up front, in the trenches. They will have one of the better offensive fronts in the Big Ten. The d-line? It has potential and more to prove that is offensive counterpart. Still, if the Minnesota offensive front can win its battle, that would keep Mitch Leidner clean and allow the Gophers to control the clock with their physical running attack—thus shortening the game and keeping the ball away from TCU and its deadly offense led by Trevone Boykin.

http://btn.com/2015/08/03/big-ten-mailbag-most-important-minnesota-unit-vs-tcu/

Go Gophers!!

 

[Gopher07]

Need to get to the 2nd level with our running backs and QB runs if we want to have a chance, IMO. It really does start up front, our offensive line handling their d-line. Gone from the linebacker spots are their leading tacklers Mallet (100 tackles in 2014) and Dawson (136 tackles) from last year, and potentially in comes a junior (Douglas - 17 tackles last year) and a true freshman (Freeze) to replace them. Need to get to that level to put the pressure on and keep the offense on the field.