Big Ten Preview: Minnesota Golden Gophers

A Look at the Upcoming Season

The Golden Gophers are looking to improve on their 4-8 record from last season and make a run at the Big Ten West title. They have a talented roster, led by quarterback Tanner Morgan, running back Mohamed Ibrahim, and wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell. The defense is also expected to be strong, led by linebacker Jack Gibbens and defensive back Tyler Nubin.

The Gophers have a tough schedule this season, but they should be competitive in every game. They open the season at home against New Mexico State before traveling to face Miami (FL) and Colorado. They then have a bye week before hosting Purdue in their Big Ten opener. The Gophers will also face Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin this season.

If the Gophers can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to be a surprise team in the Big Ten West. They have a talented roster and a favorable schedule. Here is a more detailed look at the Gophers' upcoming season:

Offense

The Gophers' offense is expected to be one of the best in the Big Ten. They have a lot of talent at the skill positions, led by quarterback Tanner Morgan, running back Mohamed Ibrahim, and wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell. Morgan is a three-year starter who has thrown for over 8,000 yards and 60 touchdowns in his career. He is also a threat to run, with over 1,000 career rushing yards. Ibrahim is one of the best running backs in the country. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. Autman-Bell is a rising star who had over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns last season.

The Gophers also have a solid offensive line, led by center John Michael Schmitz. Schmitz is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and is one of the best centers in the country. The Gophers also have a lot of depth at the skill positions, which should help them stay fresh throughout the season.

Defense

The Gophers' defense is expected to be strong this season. They have a lot of experience and talent, led by linebacker Jack Gibbens and defensive back Tyler Nubin. Gibbens is a three-year starter who had over 100 tackles last season. Nubin is a two-year starter who had four interceptions last season.

The Gophers also have a strong defensive line, led by defensive tackle Nyles Pinckney. Pinckney is a two-time All-Big Ten selection and is one of the best defensive tackles in the country. The Gophers also have a lot of depth on the defensive line, which should help them stay fresh throughout the season.

Special Teams

The Gophers' special teams are expected to be solid this season. They have a good punter in Mark Crawford and a good kicker in Matthew Trickett. Crawford averaged over 45 yards per punt last season, and Trickett made 16 of 22 field goals.

The Gophers also have a good return game, led by wide receiver Daniel Jackson. Jackson averaged over 25 yards per return last season.

Schedule

The Gophers have a tough schedule this season, but they should be competitive in every game. They open the season at home against New Mexico State before traveling to face Miami (FL) and Colorado. They then have a bye week before hosting Purdue in their Big Ten opener. The Gophers will also face Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin this season.

If the Gophers can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to be a surprise team in the Big Ten West. They have a talented roster and a favorable schedule.