The Minnesota Golden Gophers finished the 2021 college football regular season 9-4 overall and 6-3 in Big Ten play. Minnesota has been given a projected wins total of 7.5 for 2022. The nine victories by the Golden Gophers last season was just the fourth time a Minnesota team has won that many games since 1905. Minnesota could have easily won 11 but lost at home to Bowling Green and a weak rebuilding Illinois squad.'
Minnesota's passing attack was very weak last season ranking 118th in number of yards per game at 162.0 yards. Five starters from last year's offense must be replaced, but quarterback Tanner Morgan returns as does running back Mohamad Ibrahim and wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell. Last season Tanner Morgan passed for 2,044 yards with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions.'
Ibrahim ruptured his Achilles in the second game of the season but will be 100% to start this season in Minnesota's backfield. Also expected to see time at running back are Bryce Williams and Trey Potts. Autman-Bell suffered through nagging injuries but caught 36 passes for 506 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Golden Gophers. Tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford will be a big target for Morgan at 6-foot-7.
Minnesota's defense improved greatly in 2021. The Golden Gophers finished in the top 10 in the country in points allowed per game at 17.3 and total defense at 278.8 yards per game. Minnesota lost four starters from last season. Six of Minnesota's top eight players from the defensive line are no longer with the Golden Gophers. Thomas Rush and Trill Carter are the only two returning of the eight. Incoming transfers include end Lorenza Surgers and Darnell Jefferies.
Leading tackler from last season linebacker Jack Gibbens is no longer with Minnesota but Mariano Sori-Marin has plenty of talent and experience and will become the new middle linebacker. Minnesota lost talented cornerback Conny Durr but Justin Walley, coming off an All-American season as a freshman, will make up for the loss of Durr. Minnesota also added a pair of cornerbacks from the transfer portal.
Free NCAAF Pick:
Over 7.5