- PJ Fleck Will Open Up the Passing Game?
This all depends on the new starting quarterback Max Brosmer. The Gophers have high hopes for the transfer from New Hampshire, but this isn’t the FCS and Max is going to have to find his way quickly. And while the veteran brings great skills and leadership to this team, the Gophers have lost a slew of top receivers from last season. And while his stats are great, he will not be playing the likes of Stony Brook, Maine, or Rhode Island. Ironically Rhode Island beat New Hampshire 34-28 last year. Media I’ve heard from like Max on the short and intermediate routes, but his deep ball has been questionable at times during the spring practices. If Brosmer is as advertised, and can take that next step, PJ should definitely be more open to the pass game this season.
- The Running Back Room Is Deep
Darius Taylor is the main threat, but don’t sleep on the Gopher posse of backs like portal additions Marcus Major (Oklahoma), Sieh Bangura (Ohio), Jaren Mangham (Michigan State) who all bring their talents to Minnesota. Plus Jordan Nubin who played in all 13 games and rushed for 578 yards and three touchdowns, plus his epic game against Michigan State where he rushed for 204 yards. As usual I expect the running backs to be solid, depending on the big boys up front on our offensive line. The offensive line has to improve this year to improve protection for the QB and to block better for this group of talented running backs. I expect Minnesota to improve with their run blocking and pass protection this year. Aireontae Ersery leads the big guys on the offensive line, he was named to the Lombardi Award watch list as well this preseason. He and Greg Johnson should be leading a better line for this season.
- Defense
Welcome aboard to the new defensive coordinator, Corey Hetherman, who was the former linebackers coach at Rutgers under Head Coach Greg Schiano (sound familiar?). Coach Hetherman has been a defensive coordinator at James Madison and Maine at the FCS level. He like our Quarterback gets his first shot at the FBS level as the main defensive guy. PJ Fleck hopes this move works because the Gophers defense had major lapses last year. The run defense and pass rush must improve under his watch. With a healthy Cody Lindenberg, and with improvement from Jah Joyner and Jalen Login-Redding, I think we will have a better defensive season. Especially in terms of getting real pressure on quarterbacks, getting opponents in third and long situations and getting off the field after third downs. The Gopher Defense is healthy and should be improved over last year.
- Minnesota Pulls an Upset of USC
Michigan, Penn State, USC, Iowa again, Wisconsin? They all should be favored over Minnesota, but is there a game that Minnesota can get? Sure is. I think Iowa is there for the picking again, but for the big-time programs Minnesota faces, and since the game is in Minneapolis, I have my eye on that USC game. With the addition of the Pac 12 big boys, the Gophers have a very tough schedule. USC has a tough early season schedule as well and with who knows, maybe Minnesota makes a statement win over a national program at home on October 5th. I know, a guy can dream can’t he? Also, USC was awful on defense last year and have brought in a new defensive coordinator.
- Minnesota Finally beats Bret Bielema
PJ Fleck has never beat Coach Bielema while at Minnesota, seems weird but its true. I think this is the year that finally changes. It’s so hard to tell about teams year to year now with the transfer portal, but I just have a hunch that Minnesota will beat Illinois this year. We know what happened last season, but hope springs eternal!!