| The 2005 season saw the Gophers win at Michigan for the first time since 1986, and boast one of the premier offenses in the country that racked up close to 36 PPG. However, the defense gave up close to 30 PPG, and was the main reason they fizzled out in the second half of the season. HC Glen Mason’s squad returns 12 starters from a year ago, but loses a number of key contributors on offense. QB Brian Cupito (4627 yards with a 33-16 TD/INT ratio in ’05) is back for his senior campaign, and he’s got a solid WR corps to throw the ball at. However, the Gophers lose their #2 all time rusher, and RB Gary Russell is academically ineligible for the upcoming season. Still, the Gophers will boast a tremendous O-Line and should be another force offensively. Defensively, the Gophers look decent in the back seven, but not too good up front where they gave up 4.4 YPC a season ago. On paper, it looks as if defense will be a problem once again in Minneapolis. Special Teams should improve with almost everyone returning as well.
The Gophers should have a different look in ’06. Gone is the commanding rushing presence, so look for the offense to look to the air a bit more with a veteran WR corps intact. Also, look for the defensive numbers to improve, but for the offensive stats to take a large dip as well. They won’t top last year’s seven-win season, but they could find themselves bowling for the fifth straight season.
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