Momentum And Expectations Drive Gophers Football Heading Into 2024

Gophers Football Season: 2024 Season Preview

Momentum and Expectations Drive Gophers Football Heading into 2024

After a breakout season in 2023, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are poised for another successful campaign in 2024. With a returning Heisman candidate at quarterback and a defense that ranked among the nation's best last season, expectations are high in Minneapolis.

PJ Fleck's squad will have its work cut out for them, however, as they face a tough schedule that includes matchups against three ranked opponents.

Key Players to Watch

• Quarterback Tanner Morgan: The reigning Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year is back for his senior season and is expected to be one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
• Running back Mohamed Ibrahim: The two-time 1,000-yard rusher is back for his fifth season and is looking to lead the Gophers' high-powered offense.
• Wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell: The Biletnikoff Award finalist is one of the most dynamic pass-catchers in the country and will be a key target for Morgan in 2024.
• Defensive end Boye Mafe: The All-American pass rusher is back for his senior season and is looking to make a big impact on the Gophers' defense.
• Linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin: The Butkus Award finalist is one of the best linebackers in the country and will be the leader of the Gophers' defense in 2024.

Schedule Highlights

The Gophers' 2024 schedule features several key matchups, including:

• September 2: vs. New Mexico State (Home)
• September 9: vs. Air Force (Home)
• September 16: at Purdue (Away)
• September 23: vs. Michigan State (Home)
• September 30: at Michigan (Away)
• October 7: vs. Maryland (Home)
• October 14: at Iowa (Away)
• October 21: vs. Nebraska (Home)
• October 28: at Illinois (Away)
• November 4: vs. Ohio State (Home)
• November 11: at Wisconsin (Away)
• November 18: vs. Northwestern (Home)

Conclusion

The Gophers are poised for another successful season in 2024. With a Heisman candidate at quarterback, a strong defense, and a favorable schedule, Fleck's squad has all the ingredients to make a run at the Big Ten championship.