by 
Can the Golden Gophers row the boat in the season opener versus Ohio State? Only if the offensive line opens up plenty of holes for senior running back Mohamed Ibrahim.
Ibrahim is the star on the team and perhaps the best running back in the country this season. In 2020 he carried the ball 201 times for 1,076 yards in only seven games. He also tallied an impressive 15 touchdowns and I do expect that to be topped this year.
The full offensive line from the 2019 team that went 10-2 returns, which not only greatly assists Ibrahim, but also returning quarterback Tanner Morgan.
Morgan, a senior from Kentucky, did not see nearly the same success in 2020 that he saw in 2019. He was 106-183 (57% completion percentage) on the season for 1,374 yards, 7 TDs and 5 INTs. He will look to rebound and replicate his 30-touchdown season from just two years ago.
The only group on the offense needing to regroup is the receiving corps. Dylan Wright and Daniel Jackson will need to step up initially after Chris Autman-Bell suffered an injury in practice. As of late he has been listed as week-to-week.
The offense is the strength of this team and the defense is once again the biggest question mark after an atrocious last season. The group allowed 416 yards and 30 points per game, only sacked the opposing QB eight times all season and allowed 230 rushing yards per game.
The defensive front and linebackers will be tasked to step up and find a way to get in the backfield. The positive fact is that the secondary has plenty of experience. If redshirt senior Coney Durr, junior Tyler Nubin, senior Jordan Howden, senior Terrell Smith and senior Justus Harris can lock down opposing receivers, then the front six may be able to generate the pressure needed.
Wow, a good study, great way to line all the stars up for this season.
And of course BUCKEYES on Top.😃
OH!