From the article:
SEASON BREAKDOWN & PREDICTION:
In a nutshell: I do think Minnesota notches another bowl appearance, the program's third in a row, but I don't think the Gophers have enough in the tank to take another step forward in the win column – going from three wins to six wins to eight wins to nine-plus, which would be one heck of a trend. One reason is the schedule: Minnesota's set to take on the cream of the Big Ten's crop, outside of Michigan State, and might have the most intimidating November schedule – Iowa, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin – of any team in college football. The schedule alone is reason to think the Gophers top out at six or seven wins.
But there are other issues. One is quarterback play, and the passing game in particular. While the Gophers made hay last fall riding the ground attack, it's simply not tenable to expect continues success without a sense of offensive balance; Minnesota needs more through the air from Leidner, and I'm not sure if he's ready to deliver – at this point, at least. And even if Leidner is ahead of schedule, does Minnesota have the weapons at receiver to pressure opposing defensive backs? The offense won't be terrible, but it does need to add a stronger passing game to keep defense's honest. When it comes to Minnesota's own defense, it'll be nearly impossible to duplicate last year's play along the front seven, though there are two positives to consider: one, the potential at linebacker, and two, the depth and talent in the secondary.
Minnesota simply looks like a slightly above-average team, one without the talent or balance needed to threaten for eight or more wins in the Big Ten. But what the Gophers do have is coaching – yes, the Gophers certainly have coaching. As such, I waffled a bit on tossing Minnesota just outside the top half of the Big Ten; Kill has done it before and will do it again, so there's always the chance he leads this team beyond any preseason expectations. Good coaching has already taken Minnesota a long way.
Go Gophers!!
