The Gophers come into the season returning many players that contributed at a high level on the defensive side of the ball from last season. There are also many young players who are expected to make a jump in production after a solid first year of getting good playing time including Kamal Martin, Carter Coughlin, Blake Cashman, Antoine Winfield Jr., Coney durr (returning from injury), and more. The questions in the secondary are concerning, however. As Minnesota has lost out on both starting corners, and one starting safety. However they return their best defensive lineman in Steven Richardson, and have one of the top linebacker cores in the Conference. All of this is also paired with a brand new Defensive Coordinator in Robb Smith, and a new Defensive Backs coach in Mo Linguist.
Here's a look at last years defensive stats:
My prediction is Scoring Defense takes a bit of a drop to around 24-26 PPG. Rushing Defense stays around where they were last year do to strong defensive tackles and great linebacker play. Passing Defense remains around the same (Inexperienced, can't drop much further). Also I expect a slight increase in sacks, maybe around 40 total due to Devers maturing, Richardson and Stelter being experienced on the inside, and good pass rushing linebackers/edge rushers in Cashman and Coughlin. Turnovers could take a dip as well but I would project them to be around the low 20's or high teens when the season is over with due to the linebackers forcing fumbles/ creating problems with athleticism.
That's just my take. I would love to hear what you guys are thinking/expecting from the Gophers defense in their first year under Robb Smith, Mo Linguist, and P.J. Fleck.
Here's a look at last years defensive stats:
- 5th in the Big Ten in Scoring Defense at 22.1 PPG.
- 4th in the B1G at Total Defense giving up 348.8 YPG.
- 2nd in the B1G in Rushing Defense at 117.8 YPG.
- 13th in the B1G in Passing Defense at 230.9 YPG
- 6th in the B1G in Pass Defense Efficiency at 119.3
- 4th in the B1G in sacks at 37 (2.8 PG)
- T-3rd in the B1G in Forced Turnovers at 25 (1.9 PG)
My prediction is Scoring Defense takes a bit of a drop to around 24-26 PPG. Rushing Defense stays around where they were last year do to strong defensive tackles and great linebacker play. Passing Defense remains around the same (Inexperienced, can't drop much further). Also I expect a slight increase in sacks, maybe around 40 total due to Devers maturing, Richardson and Stelter being experienced on the inside, and good pass rushing linebackers/edge rushers in Cashman and Coughlin. Turnovers could take a dip as well but I would project them to be around the low 20's or high teens when the season is over with due to the linebackers forcing fumbles/ creating problems with athleticism.
That's just my take. I would love to hear what you guys are thinking/expecting from the Gophers defense in their first year under Robb Smith, Mo Linguist, and P.J. Fleck.
