How do you watch the Gophers v North Carolina and 3 keys to a Minnesota win
And the 2024 season is finally here! Can the Gophers get a win over North Carolina?
How to Watch
TV: Fox
Time: 7:00
Stream: FoxSports.com
Two teams who are going to heavily rely on their star running back while replacing their quarterback. The Tar Heels ran away with this game last year, beating the Gophers 31-13. Can Minnesota exact some revenge and start the season 1-0?
3 KEYS
- Find an efficient passing game – I don’t need 300 yards passing, I don’t need 60-yard touchdowns, just demonstrate that this offense has a complimentary passing attack that gives them balance. Clean routes, Brosmer showing accuracy and no drops.
- Front-four domination – The Gopher defensive line needs to control the line of scrimmage. Clog up the ground game so the back seven can clean up Omarion Hampton and then get pressure on whoever is dropping back in passing situations without having to blitz.
- Win special teams – A new special teams coach to pair with the Big Ten’s reigning Big Ten Kicker of the Year and a very experienced punter. Can the Minnesota special teams unit actually contribute to a win this season?
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #28 RB – Omarion Hampton – Easily one of the 10 best running backs in college football. Hampton ran for over 1,500 yards last year and is a preseason 1st team All-American. He is the one to watch and a huge key for the Gopher defense.
- #7 DE – Kaimon Rucker – Eight sacks and 61 tackles in 2023, this guy is going to be the most concerning defensive player for the Tar Heels. A good test for the Minnesota offensive line.
PREDICTION
A great, week one test for the Gophers and team they are favorited to beat (albeit barely).
It is so hard to gauge how good this team is going ot be or what their real identity will be. Frankly, we likely won’t know that until after the Iowa game. But this is a blank slate.
Minnesota will use a few running backs and if they can get the Tar Heel defense on their heels, they should be able to surprise all of us with some timely passing.
I have a lot of confidence in this team and believe that this team is in a much better place to beat North Carolina than they were a year ago. I see a Gopher win at home.
Minnesota – 30
North Carolina – 17