The Gophers have been practicing for only one week and the first game isn’t until September 3, but speculation among informed followers of the team about the 2011 record has been going on almost since the arrival of new coach Jerry Kill and his staff last December.
The predictions I have heard range from 3-9 to 7-5. The 3-9 would match last season’s record. The 7-5 would give the program its third season in the last seven with seven wins?
The opinion here is the Gophers will win four or five games. Minnesota is likely to earn three or four victories during a nonconference schedule that has the Gophers at USC on September 3, followed by home games against New Mexico State, Miami of Ohio and North Dakota State.
The Gophers are likely to win two or three games during the nonconference schedule. Minnesota is almost certain to defeat lowly New Mexico State and likely to lose to USC. Miami and North Dakota State aren’t Big Ten level programs, but either could defeat the Gophers.
Minnesota has the challenge of playing its first two conference games on the road, at Michigan and Purdue. Playing the Wolverines and new coach Brady Hoke in the Big Ten opener is nothing to thank the schedulers for, but don’t be surprised if Kill earns his first conference win at Purdue.
Minnesota’s best chance of winning another Big Ten game could certainly come at season’s end when Illinois visits Minneapolis on November 26. Between Purdue and Illinois, the Gophers have Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin at home, while playing at Michigan State and Northwestern.
Most of the teams on the 12 game schedule ─ including perhaps each of the Big Ten opponents ─ have more talent than Minnesota. To best highlight the Gophers’ challenge look at the team’s offensive and defensive lines. Winning programs excel with line play and the Gophers’ program won’t change for the better until the big boys up front on offense and defense can push opponents around Saturday after Saturday.
The other major problem is quarterback. First, redshirt junior MarQueis Gray has never been the starting quarterback. Despite dazzling athleticism, Gray must prove he can play the position. Second, suppose Gray either can’t fill the role, or is injured and sidelined? The Gophers’ reserve quarterbacks have no game experience, and true freshman Max Shortell may already be proving he’s the best of the backups.