Minnesota Football: Can 2020 Gophers match success from 2019?

How will Minnesota football fare in 2020?

There is a lot to like about Minnesota’s Big Ten-only schedule. They draw neither Ohio State nor Penn State in the crossover. Both Michigan and Michigan State are breaking in new quarterbacks — Michigan State is breaking in a new coaching regime.

Minnesota also returns many players from last season’s team. They do lose some key players; safety Antoine Winfield, wide receiver Tyler Johnson and running back Rodney Smith are three key pieces from last season.

Defensively, the Gophers lost four NFL draft picks. However, the players that return have been part of the program since Fleck was there.

This is a season for the Gophers to make a move. They have lots of veteran players returning, and that means continuity. Here is a prediction of their schedule:

• Game 1: vs. Michigan (W) — The Wolverines lose 13 NFL-caliber prospects from last season’s team, including their starting quarterback and four best defensive players. Chris Evans comes back to add depth at running back, but they could have used spring and summer ball as much as any team in the country. I like the Gophers here.
• Game 2: at Maryland (W) — Maryland should be better with five-star Rakim Jarrett coming into the fold this fall. However, he does not stop the opposition from scoring, and Maryland’s defense was awful last season –115th in scoring defense. Gophers win easily.
• Game 3: at Illinois (W) — Illinois is better and will be better this season, but the Gophers are the more talented team. The Illini have their issues offensively taking on a talented Minnesota defense. The Gophers should win this one by two possessions.
• Game 4: vs. Iowa (W) — Many people think this is the best group of receivers Kirk Ferentz has had since he’s been in Iowa City. However, he is breaking in a new quarterback and still has to deal with the fallout of racial allegations from this summer. Trust the team with the veteran quarterback here.
• Game 5: vs. Purdue (W) — It is hard not to love what Jeff Brohm has done recruiting, especially offensively. However, they have massive holes in their offensive line, and their defense is terrible. Gophers might need a shootout, but they still win.
• Game 6: at Wisconsin (L) — This is a 50/50 game. Wisconsin churns out linemen and running backs; that is true. However, Jonathan Taylor was special, Zack Baun and Chris Orr were two of the best linebackers the school has ever produced. Most of the offensive line returns, however. Can Jack Coan be a difference-maker?
• Game 7: vs. Northwestern (W) — Northwestern returns more production from last season than anyone else in college football. The problem is what they return was terrible last season. They return more than 80 percent of an offense that scored less than 20 points per game last season. The defense will be reliable, but they won’t be able to score against Minnesota.
• Game 8: at Nebraska (W) — The Huskers could show more improvement this season. They might even be bowl eligible — whatever that might be. Scott Frost still has lots of work to do in Lincoln. Gophers going away.

Prediction: 7-1

The Gophers have the opportunity to play for a conference championship and prove that they are here to stay at the top of the Big Ten West. They are one of the few teams that do not have a lot of offensive turnover, and defense usually comes together faster than offense. They are in line for another big year without having to sneak up on anyone.