The Minnesota Golden Gophers had 16 returning starters heading into the 2009 season, and many believed they were ready to compete and finish in the top half of the Big Ten. But it ended up being a disappointing season as they finished up the Big Ten at 3-5 and 6-6 overall before losing to Iowa State in the Insight Bowl.

This year, the Golden Gophers may be headed back to the bottom of the Big Ten, as they have just 11 starters back, and only two of those come on the defensive side of the ball.

Here is a closer look at the 2010 Minnesota Golden Gophers and what they will bring to the table on both sides of the ball, plus my thoughts on where they finish up the year.

 

Offense

Senior quarterback Adam Weber will have a lot of pressure on his shoulders to carry the Golden Gophers to a winning season in 2010, as the offense is going to have to light up the scoreboards to give them a chance to win. While Weber threw for almost just as many yards in his junior season as he did in his sophomore season, he completed just 52 percent of his passes compared to 62 percent as a sophomore, and watched his touchdown to interception ratio go from 15-8 in 2008 to 13-15 in 2009.

A big reason Weber saw a drop off in production was the fact that he lost one of the nation’s best wide receivers in Eric Decker after just eight games. This year, Weber will be without Decker and tight end Nick Tow-Arnett, who was the team’s second-best option in the passing game, for the entire season.

The Golden Gophers are hoping that they will finally start to see some production out of their junior class that they considered to be one of the best in the country in 2008.

Minnesota will try to establish a running game that has been non-existent over the last two seasons, averaging just 99 yards a game in 2009. Junior Duane Bennett returns as the starter of this unit, but had just 376 yards in nine starts last year. Bennett might not keep the job for long, as true freshman Lamonte Edwards figures to make a big impact.

A big reason why we could see improved play out of both Weber and the running game this season is the fact that the Golden Gophers have all five starters back on the offensive line.

While they might not be the most talented bunch in the Big Ten, you can’t go wrong with experience.

 

Defense

Experience will not play a role on the defensive side of the ball, as nine new starters will make their way onto the field.

Up front, the Gophers are hoping that sophomore DL Wilhite and junior Anthony Jacobs can bring a pass rush that was non-existent in 2009. At defensive tackle, juniors Brandon Kirksey and Jewhan Edwards bring a ton of size to the middle of the line, with Kirksey weighing in at 295 lbs and Edwards coming in at a massive 335 lbs.

Three more starters will be needed at linebacker, and it looks like the Gophers will turn to a couple talented sophomores in Spencer Reeves and Keanon Cooper to take over at the two outside spots, while junior Gary Tinsley is expected to start at middle linebacker. The Gophers also get back redshirt freshman middle linebacker Sam Maresh, who figures to be fully recovered from open heart surgery in 2008.

The Golden Gophers' only returning defensive starters come at the two safety positions, as seniors Kyle Theret and Kim Royston must not only provide outstanding play, but be leaders. Sophomore Michael Carter and junior Christyn Lewis are expected to step in at the two corner spots.

 

Prediction

11th—I think the offense will really struggle to find someone to replace the production of Decker, and there just isn't enough experience on the defensive side of the ball for this team to be favored in Big Ten play.

The Gophers will be lucky to top three wins this season.

For a detailed look at 2010 Big 10 Predictions , check this out.

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