I'm a sports writer for a paper up north. I would love some feedback on my latest column possibility:
Adam Weber is one of the top three quarterbacks in the Big Ten, Eric Decker is an All-American receiver, Duane Bennett is a dangerous double-threat running back and Hayo Carpenter is a five-star talent at out wide.
The offensive line is massive, led by Notre Dame transfer Matt Carufel (6-3, 320) and juco transplant Jeff Wills (6-3, 370).
The defense is strongest in the back with former Wisconsin safety Kim Royston leading the way.
The linebackers are spearheaded by emerging star Simoni Lawrence while the D-Line has the ability to stuff the run.
So why does everyone have the Minnesota Gophers picked to finish in the bottom third of the Big Ten?
It’s pretty simple, really.
Scheduling.
Outside of home goes against Purdue and South Dakota State, there is no slam-dunk, sure-fire victories on the slate.
Not only do the Gophers have to play Penn State and Ohio State on the road in back-to-back weeks, but the nonconference schedule also features home games against Cal and Air Force as well as a trip to Syracuse to open the season.
And Michigan and Indiana, the two teams picked to finish directly above and below Minnesota in the standings, respectively, aren’t even on the schedule.
Let’s put it this way: All but three of the teams the Gophers play had a winning record last season.
But to truly grasp what Minnesota is up against; let’s walk through every game and breakdown the matchups.
Sept. 5: at Syracuse
Probably going to be a victory, but it’s the first game of the season, and anything can happen.
Sept. 12: Air Force
Believe me, the Falcons do not care that Minnesota is opening a brand new, on-campus stadium this week. This one’s a complete toss-up.
Sept. 19: California
Tim Brewster vowed to make the nonconference schedule tougher. Well, here it is. Cal is a consensus top 10 team. Gophers should get humbled at home.
Sept. 26: at Northwestern
Great, the first conference game is on the road against an emerging team. The Wildcats, however, might be a little overrated. This could be a steal on the road.
Oct. 3: Wisconsin
Badgers have owned the Gophers in recent years, no matter where the site. Wisconsin has a stable of running backs that will wear down the Gophers up front.
Oct. 10: Purdue
Boilers are in transition and Minnesota has confidence against them after last season’s victory.
Oct. 17: at Penn State
This is where the gauntlet begins. Penn State could go unbeaten. Gophers will struggle to offer much resistance.
Oct. 24: at Ohio State
It’s almost not fair to be forced to travel to Columbus after a trip to Penn State.
Oct. 31: Michigan State
No rest for the weary. Michigan State is picked to finish in top four of the Big 10. Minnesota should put up a good fight, but State is just too talented on defense.
Nov. 7: Illinois
This could be a potential upset victory for Minnesota. After beating Illinois last season, the Gophers could make it two in a row by exploiting the Illini’s suspect secondary with their strong receiving corps.
Nov. 14: South Dakota State
Jackrabbits are solid FCS team, but Minnesota has too much talent to lose at home.
Nov. 21: at Iowa
Hawkeyes are tough and rugged on both sides. Not to mention that thrive at Kinnick Stadium.
Adam Weber is one of the top three quarterbacks in the Big Ten, Eric Decker is an All-American receiver, Duane Bennett is a dangerous double-threat running back and Hayo Carpenter is a five-star talent at out wide.
The offensive line is massive, led by Notre Dame transfer Matt Carufel (6-3, 320) and juco transplant Jeff Wills (6-3, 370).
The defense is strongest in the back with former Wisconsin safety Kim Royston leading the way.
The linebackers are spearheaded by emerging star Simoni Lawrence while the D-Line has the ability to stuff the run.
So why does everyone have the Minnesota Gophers picked to finish in the bottom third of the Big Ten?
It’s pretty simple, really.
Scheduling.
Outside of home goes against Purdue and South Dakota State, there is no slam-dunk, sure-fire victories on the slate.
Not only do the Gophers have to play Penn State and Ohio State on the road in back-to-back weeks, but the nonconference schedule also features home games against Cal and Air Force as well as a trip to Syracuse to open the season.
And Michigan and Indiana, the two teams picked to finish directly above and below Minnesota in the standings, respectively, aren’t even on the schedule.
Let’s put it this way: All but three of the teams the Gophers play had a winning record last season.
But to truly grasp what Minnesota is up against; let’s walk through every game and breakdown the matchups.
Sept. 5: at Syracuse
Probably going to be a victory, but it’s the first game of the season, and anything can happen.
Sept. 12: Air Force
Believe me, the Falcons do not care that Minnesota is opening a brand new, on-campus stadium this week. This one’s a complete toss-up.
Sept. 19: California
Tim Brewster vowed to make the nonconference schedule tougher. Well, here it is. Cal is a consensus top 10 team. Gophers should get humbled at home.
Sept. 26: at Northwestern
Great, the first conference game is on the road against an emerging team. The Wildcats, however, might be a little overrated. This could be a steal on the road.
Oct. 3: Wisconsin
Badgers have owned the Gophers in recent years, no matter where the site. Wisconsin has a stable of running backs that will wear down the Gophers up front.
Oct. 10: Purdue
Boilers are in transition and Minnesota has confidence against them after last season’s victory.
Oct. 17: at Penn State
This is where the gauntlet begins. Penn State could go unbeaten. Gophers will struggle to offer much resistance.
Oct. 24: at Ohio State
It’s almost not fair to be forced to travel to Columbus after a trip to Penn State.
Oct. 31: Michigan State
No rest for the weary. Michigan State is picked to finish in top four of the Big 10. Minnesota should put up a good fight, but State is just too talented on defense.
Nov. 7: Illinois
This could be a potential upset victory for Minnesota. After beating Illinois last season, the Gophers could make it two in a row by exploiting the Illini’s suspect secondary with their strong receiving corps.
Nov. 14: South Dakota State
Jackrabbits are solid FCS team, but Minnesota has too much talent to lose at home.
Nov. 21: at Iowa
Hawkeyes are tough and rugged on both sides. Not to mention that thrive at Kinnick Stadium.