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Minnesota Football: Will Gophers bounce back in 2021?

By Shane Lunnen

LINCOLN, NE - DECEMBER 12: Defensive back Jordan Howden #23 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin #55 lead the team on the field in the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium on December 12, 2020 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - DECEMBER 12: Defensive back Jordan Howden #23 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers and linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin #55 lead the team on the field in the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium on December 12, 2020 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Which Tanner Morgan shows up in 2021?

Quarterback Tanner Morgan set school records in 2019 with over 3,200 yards passing and 30 touchdowns. Last season Morgan came crashing back down to earth. His completion percentage and yards per attempt dropped drastically while he only completed seven touchdown passes.

While we all know it was a weird season due to COVID-19, another contributing factor to Morgan’s lackluster performance could have been first-year offensive coordinator Mike Sanford Jr., who replaced Kirk Ciarrocca. With a year to adjust to Sanford’s system, Morgan potentially could get back closer to his 2019 self.

The problem is Morgan will be without his biggest playmaker in Rashod Bateman, who is now in the NFL. The receivers are not a very experienced group but they do have speed. Chris Autumn-Bell will likely be Morgan’s top target with Daniel Jackson his No. 2. Keep an eye on 6-foot-3 Dylan Wright. The Texas A&M transfer is a former four-star prospect and while he has not made a catch at the collegiate level yet, he’s looking to make a name for himself.

The Gophers’ best weapon will be running back Mohamed Ibrahim. The junior was last season’s Big Ten Running Back of the Year after topping 1,000 yards and 15 scores in only seven games. He will be counted on heavily especially early as Morgan and the young receivers find chemistry.

Ibrahim will also be fortunate to run behind one of the best offensive lines in the Big Ten. There is depth at every position and the Gophers get a big boost from the return of right tackle Daniel Faalele after he opted out last season.

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