MINNESOTA OFFENSE

This offense is pretty much what will determine how good the Gophers will be this year.  The 2014 offense was solid, particularly behind the legs of David Cobb on the ground.  And they struggled to really become much of a threat through the air unless TE, Maxx Williams was able to get in space and make some plays. Both of those weapons have moved on and were drafted to play on Sundays. 

Quarterback, Mitch Leidner returns for his junior season and will certainly need to improve his accuracy. 

The entire receiving corp will be very young but much will also be expected of them as the passing game needs to be better to give a more balanced and dangerous offense. 

So to answer the question of whether the offense will be better or worse this season?  I don’t know. 

There are a handful of running backs behind a talented and experienced offensive line that should make for a solid ground game again.  The passing game needs to be better and improvement needs to come from everyone.  If this team can pass a little bit, I would expect a slightly better offense.

MINNESOTA DEFENSE

The defense was stout last year and should be very good again this year. 

The real strength is in the secondary where the Gophers might have the best set of defensive backs in the Big Ten (yes, you read that right and I’m not being a homer).  The four likely starters in the secondary are all seniors and have the vast majority of starts over the last two seasons. 

The defensive line returns three out of four starters and has some depth and talent. 

The biggest question mark is at linebacker, particularly replacing MLB-Damien Wilson.  But there is depth across the linebacking corp and the unit should be solid still. 

Overall I believe the defense will be better than it was a year ago.

BUYING OR SELLING?

I’m buying this year’s team again.  I am not sure that the record will be much better, if at all but this team will be overall better. 

Special teams will once again be a real strength, the defense should be able to keep them in games with anybody and the offense needs to improve just a little. 

When you look around the Big Ten West there is opportunity for the Gophers to make some noise.  Wisconsin should be a little down compared to last year and the Gophers get them at home.  Nebraska and Michigan are both talented but going through coaching changes this year, and both come to Minnesota as well. 

I am buying the Gophers this year.  Should be a good team who can play with anybody in the Big Ten (Ohio State being the lone exception) and will likely win around 8 games again.

Tom of The Daily Gopher provided the information for our Minnesota Football 2015 Spring recap. For more Minnesota football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Tom on Twitter @TheDailyGopher.