Minnesota finished 116th nationally in passing yards last season, putting up 2,369 total yards while averaging 182.2 yards per game. The breakdown is as follows: Tanner Morgan - 1,382 yards, Kaliakmanis - 946 yards, Kramer - 41 yards.
Now, 2,800 passing yards isn't an eye-popping total. But, Minnesota has definitely lacked explosiveness in the passing game the last few years. They totaled just 2,106 total yards through the air in 2021. You have to go back to the 2019 season the last time the Gophers eclipsed 3,000 passing yards when Tanner Morgan tallied 3,252 with a pair of NFL receivers on the roster in Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson.
Kaliakmanis emerged as QB1 last season and will be the sure-fire starter heading into this season. It will be interesting to see if the Gophers have a bit more confidence in the passing game with the return of veteran wide receivers Chris Autman-Bell and Daniel Jackson in addition to the offseason additions of veteran transfers Elijah Spencer (Charlotte) and Corey Crooms (Western Michigan). Don't forget about an emerging young WR in Lemeke Brockington along with one of the better tight ends in the Big Ten in Brevynn Spann-Ford.
The offensive line will need to step up, but talent and experience does return.
THE PICK: OVER. A 2,800 passing yards equals 215.3 yards per game in a 13-game schedule. That should be an achievable milestone for the Gophers to set this upcoming season if Kaliakmanis can stay healthy throughout the duration.
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