Minnesota's ground game has been their bread-and-butter the last few years. The Gophers finished 16th in the nation in total rushing yards with 2,910 yards (207.3 yards per game) this past season. However, the illustrious Mohamed Ibrahim has moved on to the NFL. Minnesota is hoping to counter the loss of one of the programs' best rushers with the transfer addition of former Western Michigan product Sean Tyler, who rushed for 1,027 yards (4.9 yards per carry). Is he ready for the big-time? Trey Potts transferred to Penn State. Bryce Williams is another veteran that remains on the roster, but young guys like Marquese Williams, Darius Taylor, and Zach Evans could likely step up as backups to Tyler.
Along the offensive line, the Gophers will be replacing three starters, but will have some experienced talent like Aierontae Ersery and Martes Lewis to plug in up front. Will Fleck's "pair and a spare" philosophy be able to muster 2,700 total rushing yards during the 2023 season?
THE PICK: UNDER. I think Tyler will be a solid RB1 option, but won't live up to the production of Ibrahim. Williams is a serviceable vet, but the more interesting storyline will be which young talent on the roster will emerge as the future. The Gophers miss the 2,700 rushing mark as a team, but probably not by much.
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