By: Daniel House- Follow on Twitter: @DanielHouseNFL
The Gophers made a splash in January when they hired Western Michigan head coach P.J. Fleck. An instant energy injection quickly engulfed a Minnesota program yearning for positive national attention. Before even taking a snap, an ESPN reality show, numerous national feature stories, and multiple viral scholarship surprises have placed the program’s brand in the spotlight.
P.J. Fleck, the 36-year-old fireball of energy, has intrigued the local football scene with his “Row the Boat” mantra and community presence. The next phase in the establishment of his culture starts Thursday when the Gophers kick off the season against Buffalo at TCF Bank Stadium.
During their first eight months in Minnesota, Fleck and his staff have made their imprint on a roster that poses several intriguing storylines heading into 2017. The success of Fleck’s first year as head coach will be dependent upon several variables, including the quarterback situation, secondary depth, and creativity on defense.
Balancing the quarterbacks
P.J. Fleck named redshirt sophomore Demry Croft and fifth-year senior Conor Rhoda co-starting quarterbacks to begin the 2017 season. Fleck didn’t announce who will take the first snap under center during Thursday’s opener, but noted each player will see playing time.
It will be an interesting dynamic for the Gophers as the try to find the best rotation. Fleck used a quarterback by committee system during two of his four seasons as the head coach at Western Michigan. He has prior experience in these situations, but the real hurdle will be overcoming inexperience at the position.
Rhoda and Croft have each attempted just 17 passes, while playing in a combined four games. The idea of naming co-starters may be an opportunity to see how each player responds in game situations. Neither quarterback separated themselves in practice or scrimmages, but live action might yield different results. If one player can edge the other during non-conference play, the coaches could elect to go with the “hot hand” when Big Ten action begins.
Either way, to be the most successful offensively, the quarterbacks will need to complete a high volume of short-to-intermediate passes, while preventing turnovers. Mitch Leidner had a 54% completion percentage and his interception rate ranked in the bottom tier among college football programs. If the Gophers can improve these statistical categories, it will help their offense find more balance and efficiency. Fleck’s past offenses have controlled the tempo and clock. This can be accomplished by improving their total yards per passing attempt (95th last season) and utilizing the dynamic duo of Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith at running back.
The edge rushing rotation
The edge rushing rotation may be the most fascinating aspect of this team during the 2017 season. Fans can expect to see plenty of creativity on defense as the coaches place the best 11 players on the field. Minnesota will still run a base 4-3 defense, but the system may occasionally feature an edge rushing look to maximize the team’s depth at linebacker. The defensive wrinkle completely utilizes the skill-sets of athletic defenders like linebackers Kamal Martin, Carter Coughlin, Blake Cashman, and defensive end Tai’yon Devers.
The coaches are going to creatively get after the quarterback as they continue to build upon last year’s pass rush. In 2016, the Gophers posted their highest sack total in four seasons. Minnesota will again need their front-seven to create pressure as inexperience and depth concerns fill the secondary. The edge rushing package might be a small glimpse into the aggressive nature of defensive coordinator Robb Smith’s philosophy.
Inexperience in the secondary
At cornerback, the Gophers have just 29 career starts returning. The team will be relying on inexperience to hold up against passing offenses this season. During the Gophers’ three non-conference games, they’ll face a stiff challenge against Middle’s Tennessee’s top-15 passing attack. This year, the Gophers will face just two of 2016’s top-20 passing attacks (Middle Tennessee and Purdue).
Minnesota has a centerpiece in their secondary with Antoine Winfield Jr., but he is surrounded by inexperience. Redshirt freshman Kiondre Thomas will need to step up, along with junior Antonio Shenault. In addition, true freshman cornerbacks Rey Estes and Justus Harris may be called upon to play early in their collegiate careers. P.J. Fleck summed it up well when he was asked about true freshman Ray Este’s quick transition from quarterback to cornerback.
He said, “[Rey Estes] might have an outside shot of starting, so that just shows you our need for defensive backs.”
If the defense wants to play aggressively with their front-seven, the secondary will ultimately be their biggest key to success.
Can the offensive line hold up?
The theme is the same for both football teams in town: the offensive line must stay healthy. One injury at a tackle spot would thrust freshman Blaise Andries into a starting role. The Gophers have just five upper classmen on the offensive line, three of which are integral players at interior spots. An injury would instantly make the Gophers less experienced up front. From a chemistry standpoint, injuries in spring ball also limited the time starters spent together. The offensive line has been showing progress in fall training camp, but they will need to develop consistency throughout the season. If the Gophers can’t protect the quarterback, they will struggle against quality opponents as the season progresses.
Making in-game adjustments
P.J. Fleck places an emphasis on situational football and pressure situations during his practices. It’s good news for a team that struggled to make adjustments in the second half last season. In 2016, three of Minnesota’s four losses came after holding a lead for the first 30 minutes. The Gophers stiffened up late in games, particularly against Wisconsin and Nebraska. During a critical three-game stretch to end the Gophers’ season, the offense averaged just 10.3 points per second half. In 2017, the ability to make adjustments and handle late game scenarios can help the Gophers win close games against quality opponents. In the past, P.J. Fleck has shown an ability to manage games well and delegates roles to his coaching staff in an effort to improve overall communication. If the Gophers can win two or more games with improved late game adjustments, it would make a big difference in the overall outcome of their season.
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