NM State allowed only one sack last Saturday. … The Gophers need Thomas Rush to step up with Boye Mafe off to the NFL this is his chance to test pass-rush moves he’s been working on in the offseason. The Gophers secondary is its best position group and S Tyler Nubin was a standout ball hawk in open portions of fall camp. Aggies QB Diego Pavia had four turnovers (three INTs, one fumble) before Gavin Brakes replaced him (one touchdown and one INT). Minnesota was only plus-3 in turnover margin last season and worked on ball skills in the offseason to garner more interceptions this fall. If the Aggies have that many giveaways Thursday, the expected blowout could become downright embarrassing for the struggling independent program. … New Mexico State suffered five turnovers against Nevada. Now with five new starters, this soft opener will be a good opportunity to work out kinks with the newer pieces. New Mexico State offense: The Gophers defense ranked in the Top 10 in a handful of categories last season, including total defense (279 yards per game). … U receiver Daniel Jackson (ankle) is the only known injury from fall camp. Thursday will be a great opportunity for the offensive line to gel against a small defensive front. This year, right tackle might be a rotation between three players, including Edina native and Notre Dame transfer Quinn Carroll. Fleck projects left tackle Aireonte Ersery as the best offensive line prospect he’s ever coached right tackle Daniel Faalele just went in the fourth round of NFL draft last spring. … If the Gophers had to pick only one starter to return from last year’s vastly experienced offensive line, it would have to John Michael Schmitz, an All-America candidate and Rimington Award contender. The matchup problems he can create will be on display in opener. … Tight end Ko Kieft is off the NFL, but 6-foot-7 replacement Brevyn Spann-Ford is expected to have a big season. That duo should feast on a NMSU defense that allowed Wolf Pack tailbacks to go over 200 yards with two touchdowns last week. They played when Ibrahim and Trey Potts were injured during the first month of last season Ibrahim and Potts are now fully healthy. ![]() The Gophers’ departures primarily are two running backs (Mar’Keise Irving and Ky Thomas) leaving via the NCAA transfer portal. …The U has 70 percent returning production from 2021, which ranked 50th in the nation, per ESPN. The Aggies return seven defensive starters including top linebacker Chris Ojoh, who had seven tackles against Nevada. New Mexico State defense: Minnesota welcomes back the majority of its top skill-position players, including QB Tanner Morgan, WR Chris Autman-Bell and RB Mo Ibrahim. Kill said he didn’t know if he would shake Fleck’s hand at the game, and Fleck responded he always attempts to meet the opposing coach and that Thursday will be no different. ![]() ![]() ![]() Fleck’s team is a heavy favorite, so if the score gets way out of hand, will it be looked at as an unintentional byproduct of the gulf between the programs or as an attempt to run up the score on Kill? Kill has been very critical of Fleck over the years Fleck has taken the high road and is expected to be conscientious to the score. Fleck won 48-10 in the season opener in Minnesota. In 2013, Kill’s Gophers won 44-21 on the road. In Jerry Kill’s first home game for the Gophers in 2011, the U lost 28-21 and the former head coach suffered a seizure on the sideline in the fourth quarter. New Mexico State is 0-1 after a 23-12 loss to Nevada in Week Zero in Las Cruces, N.M. Records: This is the Gophers’ season opener. Weather: 82 degrees, clear skies, 7 mph north wind
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