The Minnesota Golden Gophers kicked off their season against the North Carolina Tar Heels, and unfortunately could not walk off winners.
The Golden Gophers showcased a solid defense against the Tar Heels and generated a turnover, but ultimately could not have the same success on offense. Minnesota was without their starting running back Darius Taylor and instead turned to sixth-year Marcus Major to run the ball. Despite being able to run the ball against the Tar Heels, the Golden Gophers could not air the ball out and truly attack the defense.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Drop Home Opener, 19-17, to Tough North Carolina Squad
Minnesota gave their fans and the world their first look at the team as the 2024 season begins to unfold. The Golden Gophers had an interesting game, highlighted by their gamely staff lighting off fireworks despite losing the game. Minnesota has played North Carolina the past two seasons and now has lost both of the matchups, except this one stings in particular.
Heading into the game, the Golden Gophers staff announced they would be without key running back Darius Taylor, who adds a different dimension to the offense. Instead, Marcus Major would start in place of Taylor and carried the ball 20 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. Taylor also missed time a season ago due to lingering injuries and seemed to be dealing with the same injury to his lower body this season.
Major had a solid game for the Golden Gophers, but new starting quarterback Max Brosmer struggled to ignite the offense through the air. Brosmer, a former University of New Hampshire starter, recorded over 3,000 passing yards last season and earned the starting job after transferring. However, Brosmer did not look sharp during his first outing with Minnesota.
Brosmer recorded 166 yards on 13 completions and a rushing touchdown but was sacked five times and did not record a touchdown through the air. The Minnesota Golden Gophers struggled to make the throws they needed to make during crucial times last season, and some of that may have carried over into the 2024 season. The blocking from the offensive line also did not help as Brosmer did not have as much time as he would have liked.
What Can the Minnesota Football Program Takeaway From the Narrow Loss?
Following the loss to the Tar Heels, there are three main takeaways from the loss that the Minnesota football staff truly needs to key in on. The Minnesota Golden Gophers must improve their blocking and find a way to create consistent pressure on defense. Along with these keys, the Golden Gophers also need to get Taylor back onto the field as soon as they can.
Against the Tar Heels last night, the Minnesota football team recorded two sacks but had six tackles for loss and created pressure at times. The issue was that Minnesota could not consistently create the same pressure and drive the Tar Heels offense back. North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton carried the ball 30 times against the Golden Gophers for 129 yards and rarely faced anyone in the backfield.
North Carolina could not generate much through the air against the Golden Gophers and abandoned the passing game entirely later on. Following an injury to starting quarterback Max Johnson, the Tar Heels ran the ball straight at the Golden Gophers’ defense. Running the ball into the teeth of the defense is something that Minnesota likes to do, but might not be able to do so.
Marcus Major is a solid running back, but the sixth-year player was not supposed to be the starter for the season but rather a backup plan. With star Darius Taylor potentially missing extended time, the Golden Gophers need to figure out a solution. Taylor offered athleticism, knowledge, and incredible field vision to the team and it is evident Minnesota struggles without Taylor on the field.
Another area the Minnesota Golden Gophers struggled with was their offensive line, who allowed five sacks on the night. North Carolina has some pretty fearless pass-rushers, but the line struggled in both pass and run-blocking situations, allowing far too many people past. Minnesota needs to clean up their play along the line to give more time to Major, Taylor, and Brosmer on offense.
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