Minnesota Gopher Football: Three keys to winning the season opener over Nebraska

Here we go, the 7th season under PJ Fleck and the Gophers are opening up the 2023 season hosting Nebraska.

How to Watch

TV: Fox
Time: 7:00
Stream: FoxSports.com

3 KEYS

• Balance on offense - After being so run-heavy a year ago, the plan is to be more balanced this season. I’m not just looking for a 50/50 split of rushes/passes, I want to see an offense that puts the defens on their heels. The right timed screens, passes to TEs and to WRS, getting the running backs opportunities to pull off some big runs.
• Stop the run - There are so many unknowns on this defense and we really have no idea what will be their strengths. I want to see us stop the run this game and see what happens from there. This includes containing Jeff Sims.
• Stay healthy - I’m concerned about enough starters on this roster, please don’t make us start to have to dip into the 2-deep and still try to beat a Big Ten opponent.

OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH

• #7 QB- Jeff Sims - The Georgia Tech quarterback who is going to try to prove he can actually throw the ball too.
• #2 S/Nickel - Isaac Gifford - The hybrid DB who is going to have his nose around the ball all night.

PREDICTION

I really like Matt Rhule and think he will get Nebraska back to respectability, likely soon. But not in week 1. That defense is still going to be not very good and the Gophers should be able to score some points. My biggest question is really if we can contain Sims.

Minnesota - 31
Nebraska - 21