Hello Gopher fans, my name is Vince Wright and I am honored to be joining the GopherHole family as a new contributor. I have watched the Gophers since they were in Memorial Stadium and had Marion Barber Sr. running with the rock. I grew up a Gopher fan, raised in South Minneapolis and after high school (Mpls Washburn) I attended the “U” from 89-94. I currently host The Sports Done Wright Podcast, and I’m known as “The Sports Governor of Minnesota” or “The Big Smooth.”
Five Reasons the Minnesota Gophers Will Win the Big 10 West
1) The Gophers are playing Nebraska in the first game.
Matt Rhule will have Nebraska playing better later in the season in my opinion. Getting the Cornhuskers right off the bat should help Minnesota who has the better team on paper. New coach, players and schemes will take a while to take hold for Rhule, Minnesota’s depth at wide receiver, tight end and a big strong QB will be the key and the Defense, led by Tyler Nubin and Jah Joyner will set the tone. It might be a little closer than we think however.
2) Getting the win in Chapel Hill
Another big test in the non-conference is a trip to Chapel Hill, NC to face the Tar Heels of North Carolina. Carolina QB Drake Maye is being discussed as a possible Heisman candidate. Maye threw for 4,321 yards last year with 38 TD’s and 7 interceptions and coach Mack Brown has a new offensive coordinator working with his star QB. Minnesota matches up well otherwise and while this game has some fans fearful, Minnesota goes on the road and makes the statement with a big win on Tobacco Road. And I predict they put the clamps on Drake Maye and gets fans talking about a new day of Gopher defense.
3) Minnesota will finally beat Iowa
Yes I know, Fleck is 0-6 against that team down South, but I truly believe this is the year Minnesota breaks through the Iowa wall. The Gophers have been so close, and honestly they have lost to very mediocre Iowa teams. But this year it’s a mission, P.J. rallies the troops and Minnesota finally gets Floyd back home. And beating them in Iowa City will be so sweet.
4) Minnesota will pull the upset and beat either Michigan or Ohio State
I know, this one is hard to get behind, but this Gophers team will be dialed in this season with a last chance to win the West. Michigan will be the game we shock the world. Playing for the Little Brown Jug after so many years, the game is at home, and honestly, I think Minnesota has a slightly better shot against the Wolverines than the Buckeyes. IF, a big IF, the Gophers can get one of these games there is no stopping Minnesota. I also believe Minnesota will beat Michigan State.
5) Dominate Defense
This is the year of the Gopher Defense, after years of simmering, this defense is ready to blow up. Jah Joyner and Tyler Nubin will be the anchors. Other big names that should contribute to an improved pass rush are Jalen Logan-Redding, Kyler Baugh and Anthony Smith, strong DB’s like Justin Walley and nickelback Jack Henderson. I’m really excited for the Gopher defense this year. Bigger, faster and stronger!! The key is getting a consistent pass rush, one area where Minnesota has suffered in past seasons.
So get ready, buckle up and enjoy the ride Gopher fans, and for fun Minnesota will beat Wisconsin for the third year in a row too!
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