2007 Minnesota Golden Gophers College Football Picks & Predictions


June 5, 2008 | Posted By Larry Cook

The 2007 football season for the Golden Gophers will undergo dramatic changes. Not only are the Gophers breaking in a new quarterback, the entire unit has undergone a dramatic change with new coach Tim Brewster bringing in his spread attack behind offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar. They have a three-way battle going at the quarterback position to replace Minnesota’s all-time leading passer in Bryan Cupito. Junior Tony Mortensen, redshirt freshman Adam Weber and true freshman Clint Brewster, the coach’s son, will be battling for the job under center.

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Whoever gets the starting job at quarterback will most likely struggle in learning a more complicated offense. Dunbar still plans to rely on the running games. Senior tailback Amir Pinnix ran for 1,272 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Sophomore Jay Thomas has breakaway speed and big-play ability to spell Pinnix. Depth along the line and at receiver is a big area of concern for the Gophers. Ernie Wheelwright has to step up his game and get rid of his label as a receiver who drops too many passes. Sophomore Eric Decker has the potential to be a very good wideout. But that is about the end of the line for receivers that can do some damage.

The Golden Gophers finished 113th nationally in total defense last season, but have high hopes after a great spring practice session on this side of the ball. Now it just has to carry over to the fall season as well. The defense was more aggressive and physical this spring due to new additions and schematic changes. Unlike last season, the line should be a strength, led by All-Big Ten end Willie VanDeSteeg, who took down opposing quarterbacks 10 times last season. He will get help to avoid double teams from end Alex Daniels, a superb athlete who has bounced around on the defensive side of the ball in different positions. The Gophers will also be welcoming Tennessee transfer Raymond Henderson who set out last season.

Seniors Mike Sherels and John Shevlin are battled-tested linebackers and solid leaders. Steve Davis, a two-year starter at end, moved to strong side linebacker in the offseason to solidify the strength of this defense. The front seven look very promising and will make huge strides. The secondary is a question mark to say the least. Cornerback Dominic Jones is arguably the team’s most valuable player, but other than this proven cover corner, there is not much to look forward to. The Gophers still have to solidify the cornerback and strong safety positions with a couple of newcomers. Dominic Barber was much improved last season as the free safety and will have to become more of a leader for this young secondary. Teams will be able to move the ball through the air more effectively than on the ground against Minnesota in 2007.

The Gophers have a favorable non-conference schedule and need to win all four of these games to increase their chances at becoming bowl eligible. Even if they finish with the 3-5 Big Ten record from a year ago, the chances of Minnesota making a bowl are very good. They have enough returning to salvage the season, but the quarterback position will be the key. You will see a heavy dose of a ball control offense with Minnesota using Pinnix heavily throughout the season on the ground. Gopher fans will have to wait a few more years before Brewster can get this team back at the top of the Big Ten conference.

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