The Gophers are a week away from their season opener against New Mexico State. With that, let’s take a look at some bold predictions that could happen this season. The Gophers biggest addition this offseason was the return of offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca. With this, the offense should see a boost from a lackluster 2021. The defense under coordinator Joe Rossi has been great and should continue; led by a veteran secondary. With that said let’s take a look at my three bold predictions for the Golden Gophers in 2022.
The Gophers Will Beat Iowa
That’s right, P.J. Fleck will get the one win that has eluded him since coming to Minnesota, beating Iowa and getting Floyd of Rosedale. Minnesota hasn’t beaten Iowa since 2014 when they defeated them 51-14. Since then, they have lost seven straight to the Hawkeyes. This is the one rival Fleck hasn’t been able to best. The Gophers have been outscored by Iowa 150-89 since Fleck came.
So, how are they going to beat Iowa? The game is at Hunting Bank Stadium and is Senior Day. These are big advantages for the Gophers. I also believe that Morgan is better than Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras. After last season, I also see Iowa taking a step back. Their defense was elite and one of the best in the nation, but they have lost some players. Iowa is without three defensive backs and one defensive linemen (all lost to the NFL). The area in which Iowa is losing the most is the area in which the Gophers will have a strength, the passing game. This year it ends, and Floyd comes home to where he rightfully belongs.
The Gophers Will Have Two 1,000 Yard Receivers and a 1,500 Yard Rusher
With Kirk Ciarrocca’s return, the Gophers offense will be back to competing at the level they were in 2019. That year Tyler Johnson (1,318) and Rashod Bateman (1,219) each had over 1,000 yards receiving as did running back Rodney Smith (1,163). This season will see the same with Chris Autman-Bell, Dylan Wright, and Mohamed Ibrahim. Autman-Bell and Wright will each have 1,000 yards seasons. Bell is in his final year, while Wright is looking to have a break out season that propels him into the starting spot next season. It has been said about Wright that his ceiling is as high as he wants. This year he’ll prove it by joining Autman-Bell as the Gophers second 1,000-yard duo in three years.
Mohmaed Ibrahim will have the 2021 season he was supposed to have. After not even playing a full three-quarters in 2021, Ibrahim will be back with a vengeance looking to make up for his lost season. In the game against Ohio State last year, Ibrahim rushed for 163 yards on 30 carries and two touchdowns. That wasn’t even a complete game. Imagine what he’ll do with a full season. The Gophers will have a run at 2019-like season, with these three leading the way, just as Johnson, Bateman, and Smith did a few years ago.
The Gophers Will Lead The Nation In Interceptions
The Gopher’s secondary is the strongest part of their defense, with the return of seniors Tyler Nubin (Safety) and Jordan Howden (Safety), as well as sophomore cornerback Justin Walley. Also back is junior defensive back Michael Dixon. With his versatility he’ll be a massive asset to the Gophers secondary. Being added to the secondary this season are transfers Ryan Stapp (Abilene Christian) and Beanie Bishop (Western Kentucky). This is a strong secondary with depth at numerous positions. The Gophers pass defense was not the best last season, but with this veteran group, it is looking to step up big time. Last season Iowa led the nation with 25 interceptions, with Western Kentucky in second with 21. The Gophers had only eight interceptions. With this group, I have a lot of confidence that the secondary will torment quarterbacks and receivers all season long while racking up interceptions.
Summary
With all of this said, my favorite of these is for the Gophers to have two 1,000-yard receivers and a 1,500-yard rusher. They clearly have the talent and players to do this. Autman Bell and Ibrahim both have the experience and Ibrahim has already had a 1,000-yard rushing season in the past. While Wright has only had 365 yards receiving, I’m expecting big things from the junior this season. Kirk Ciarrocca knows what he’s doing, and I trust that he is going to turn this offense into what it was back in 2019.