Big Ten Football - 2021 Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview
Our Minnesota Golden Gophers preview 2021 sees this team as coming into the season with a lot of potential on offense and many challenges on defense. In 2020, the Golden Gophers were 3-4, placing fourth in the West Division. Needless to say, Minnesota did not make a bowl appearance, which ended a two-year run. In 2020, the Golden Gophers averaged 27.3 PPG (6th Big Ten, 71st Nationally), while their defense allowed opponents 30.1 PPG (9th Big Ten, 70th Nationally), leaving them no room for error. Nine players return on offense and six on D.
Minnesota Offense
In 2019, quarterback Tanner Morgan had a fine season, setting records by passing for over 3,000 yards and hitting pay dirt 30 times. But last season, Morgan completed just 57.9% of his passes for 1,374 yards. He connected for seven TDs, while tossing five picks. In 2020, it’s hoped that Morgan can find his game again. Five-of-six top receivers return. Chris Autman-Bell, who grabbed 22 passes for 430 yards while averaging 19.5 YPR, returns as the leading receiver. WR Daniel Jackson moves up as a starter. A lot is expected from him. Tight ends have been a disappointment lately. Can either Bryce Witham or Brevyn Spann-Ford come through?
Junior Mohamed Ibrahim is a huge talent. Last season, he rushed for 1,076 yards on 201 carries while scoring 15 TDs. He also caught eight passes. The O-line returns four starters. They’re one of the best in the Big Ten, which will certainly help the ground and air games.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview 2021 - Defense
Of the eight incoming transfers, Clemson DT Nyles Pinckney is the biggest name. He’s played over 1,000 snaps for one of the best teams in the country. His presence will help the frontline, which returns one starter. LB Mariano Sori-Marin comes back after leading the team in tackles with 54. Jake Gibbens, a quality transfer from Abilene Christian, upgrades the linebacking unit, while quality talent Braelen Oliver returns from a knee injury.
Freshman corner Miles Fleming, a top talent, starts at corner, while senior Justus Harris starts at the other corner. Last season, strong safety Jordan Howden and free safety Tyler Nubin made 37 and 41 tackles respectively. This is a good secondary that has to play at a higher level than they did in 2020.
Specialists
The kicking game has been an issue for this team. In an attempt to upgrade, our Minnesota Golden Gophers preview 2021 observes that the team has brought in two placekickers, Kent State transfer Matthew Trickett and Temple transfer Will Mobley. In his first season last year, punter Marc Crawford averaged just 37.8 YPP. ULM punter Daniel Sparks will compete for the job. The speedy Ibrahim serves as the team’s main return man.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Minnesota Golden Gophers preview 2021 likes this offense a lot. Of course, the receiving unit is suspect, and Morgan must rebound at QB. But the rush attack along with a solid offensive line will score points. Defense is a whole other thing. If they cannot gel and come through, it will be a tough 2021 for the Golden Gophers who start their season against Ohio State and end it versus Wisconsin.
Big Ten Football - Minnesota Golden Gophers 2021 - Predictions:
Fourth Place - Big Ten West
Redbox Bowl vs. California