Five keys to the Gophers' offense

Last update: August 29, 2008 - 9:17 PM

1. COME TOGETHER

How will the Gophers rebuild an offensive line that lost three-year starters Tony Brinkhaus and Steve Shidell? The 2008 starting line could include two redshirt freshmen: Ryan Orton and Ryan Wynn. There won't be a senior among the players expected to see action from tackle to tackle.

2. BALL SECURITY

As a redshirt freshman, Adam Weber put up all sorts of impressive running and passing stats. Here's one number that needs to go down: interceptions. Weber had 19 last season. The Gophers ranked near the bottom nationally in turnover margin, and that has to change this season.

3. YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

Top receiver Eric Decker returns, as does Ralph Spry. But the Gophers will need true freshmen receivers such as Brandon Green, Xzavian Brandon and Brodrick Smith to step up quickly.

4. RUNNING BACKS

It's not necessarily a bad thing, in a spread offense, for the quarterback to be a leader in the rushing category. But Duane Bennett, who became the fourth freshman since 2001 to run for more than 400 yards in a season, needs to head a group that will take a little pressure off Weber in that department.

5. KICKING TRUE

Placekicker Joel Monroe took over the job last year. He has a strong leg, and he had a good season. But he'll likely have to be better from long range -- he is 2-for-5 from beyond 40 yards for his career -- for the Gophers to be successful in close games.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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