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Minnesota Football: 2017 season preview, predictions

By Connor Muldowney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Rodney Smith #1 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter of the game on November 19, 2016 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 19: Rodney Smith #1 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter of the game on November 19, 2016 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball while being pursued by Steven Richardson #96 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first quarter during the game at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2016 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball while being pursued by Steven Richardson #96 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first quarter during the game at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2016 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Defense

When you look at Minnesota’s projected front-seven for 2017, you’d realize that there are only two returning starters from last year. Senior defensive tackle Steven Richardson and senior linebacker Jonathan Celestin are back as leaders of the defense, but there are question marks everywhere else.

Those two are All-Big Ten candidates who helped lead one of the nation’s best run defenses last season, but there are five new starters surrounding them. Sophomores Carter Coughlin and Winston DeLattiboudere are projected to start at both end spots and senior Andrew Stelter is going to be Richardson’s interior mate.

At linebacker, sophomores Kamal Martin and Thomas Barber begin somewhat of a youth movement. Both played minimally last season as freshmen, recording 22 total tackles, but the coaching staff feels good about potential breakout seasons.

This young defense will be tested plenty this season.

Improving secondary?

Just one season ago, Minnesota struggled in one area on the defensive side of the ball: against the pass. In fact, the Golden Gophers ranked 73rd in the country against the pass, allowing over 230 yards per game through the air.

With the second-worst passing defense in the Big Ten, the Gophers need to improve drastically if they’re going to compete with the big boys in the conference.

Minnesota is replacing both cornerbacks, but junior Antonio Shenault and freshman Kiondre Thomas look to provide a much-needed fresh look. They have the talent to turn things around and are backed up by Adekunle Ayinde, a senior, and sophomore Zo Craighton.

As for the safeties, both Antoine Winfield Jr. and Daletavious McGhee return as starters from last season. They finished fourth and fifth on the team in tackles last season, respectively. The secondary has potential to improve, but it’s not a guarantee. Only way to go is up, though.

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