Skinny - Minnesota has one of the better QB-WR combos. Eric Decker is one of the most unappreciated players in the country. Decker is what makes the Minnesota offense role and was the main reason Minnesota was even in the top 100 in scoring and why they were 55th in passing yardage as he had 1074 yards alone. Adam Weber's not too shabby himself at the quarterback spot. He may not be a touchdown machine, but he's efficient and he can beat you on the ground if he needs to. Minnesota used to be known for their power running game when Barber and Maroney were playing and they are hoping Duane Bennett can recover from an early injury last season and be the back the need. The defense was good at the beginning of last season when Minnesota started 7-1. It was in those final five losses, also the final five games, that the offensive and defensive wheels both came unglued. If Minnesota can start strong again, which will harder with a game versus California and an early season trip to Northwestern, and finish stronger they could return to a bowl game. The schedule is much more difficult this season, so don't expect another 7-1 shocker.
Strength - Passing Game
Adam Weber is good on his feet, but he's better through the air. Last season he threw for 2761/15/8 and hopes to improve on those numbers this year. Decker is back and will leave his name in the record books, as he completes his senior year at receiver. Ben Kuznia and Brandon Green will provide solid depth at receiver, but the true wildcard is one of the top JUCOs in the country in Hayo Carpenter. Carpenter is relatively small at 5'11" 185 lbs., but he has 4.4 speed and could be the perfect complement to Decker with his speed. Decker and his receiving troops should get Minnesota in the top 40 in passing yards this season, behind an improved line.
Weakness - Secondary
Luckily for Minnesota, the passing attacks in the Big 10 are not nearly as strong as they are around the rest of the country. Daryll Clark and Juice Williams will be the two strongest attacks with Pryor and Kafka being more dual threats. Stanzi could also provide some trouble for the Golden Gophers, but for the most part having a weaker pass defense unit isn't a death sentence in the Big 10. Traye Simmons, Marcu Sherels, Kyle Theret, and Tramaine Brock all return in the secondary, but the unit only ranked 93rd in the country last season and the teams they faced weren't overwhelming by any margin. The unit will see a lot of pressure this season with a weak defensive line, and if the unit doesn't play well they will be exposed.
Key Game - 9/26/09 @Northwestern
Minnesota's schedule gets much tougher as the season progresses and winning a game on the road in Evanston would be huge with Wisconsin and Purdue following on the schedule. That would give Minnesota a chance at 3-0 in the conference before heading to Penn State and Ohio State back to back weeks and than playing a difficult final four that includes Michigan State, Illinois, and Iowa. The same result of W/L last season could be very possible, but at least this time the teams on the schedule will be more difficult. Coming off a tough game versus California, Minnesota could either be dejected or motivated.
Key Player - Duane Bennent
Bennent flashed his potential his true freshman season with over 400 yards and seemed to be the go to guy week 1 last season. In game 2 he got injured and that ended his season. After using a medical redshirt, he returns this season and looks to regain his starting role. DeLeon Eskridge didn't do much in replacing Bennent last season, so Minnesota needs someone to balance a potentially potent offense. The offensive line is better than last season and should be able to open some holes for Bennent. Bennent also has ability out of the backfield and look for Weber to hit him for some screens and just utilize his abilities.
Impact Freshman - Ra'Shede Hageman
Predicted Big 10 finish - 7th
Top 5 Players
1. WR Eric Decker
2. CB Traye Simmmons
3. QB Adam Weber
4. RB Duane Bennent
5. LB Lee Campbell
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