How Minnesota can compete in the Big Ten

By foxsports
Published

The Gophers are coming off their first back-to-back 8 win seasons in almost a decade, and the team is certainly on a lot of people's radar to make some noise in the Big Ten West this season. 

Outside of winning their season opening primetime matchup with TCU, what must the team do to take the next step forward? One thing is for sure, they won't have to tinker with the defense too much this season. Check this out from iSports Web on the defense:

With a majority of their team returning, the Gophers will have seasoned players at a number of positions. Their secondary, which now boasts four experienced seniors, is poised to be one of the best in the country next year. If the Golden Gophers are able to defend the pass with ease in 2015, it should take a lot of pressure off the rest of their defense.

There has been a lot of talk about the new look no-huddle offense the team has installed this spring. After losing tight end Maxx Williams and running back David Cobb, the team will need to produce more explosive plays to put points on the board. 

(h/t iSports Web)

Photo Credit: Jesse Johnson/USA TODAY Sports