ORLANO CENTINAL
2019 College Football Rankings: No. 39 Minnesota looks to build on winning season
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/spor...rtu-story.html
Gophers Weaknesses:
The Golden Gophers struggled on defense, (*allowing more than 45 points and nearly 500 yards per game during their first five losses last season.*) Fleck fired defensive coordinator Robb Smith following the team’s blowout loss to Illinois and replaced him with Joe Rossi. The impact was almost immediate, with the unit allowing just 26 points and 390 yards the rest of the way.
This team will lean on defensive end Carter Coughlin (9.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss) and linebackers Kamal Martin (59 tackles) and Thomas Barber (81 tackles) for leadership. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. returns after missing much of last season with an injury and along with corner Terell Smith, the pair shores up the secondary.
Outlook: Minnesota made huge strides in 2018, but the program has room for improvement -- especially in Big Ten play. The Gophers went 1-9 against winning teams in the conference during the past two seasons under Fleck, with the sole win coming against Wisconsin last season. The 2019 schedule features five bowl-eligible teams from last season.
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