Reviewing the 2018 Minnesota Golden Gophers

Who’s winning the Broken Chair Trophy?

The Golden Gophers find themselves with a 3-3 record at the midpoint of their season. A 3-0 start to the season against non-conference opponents (New Mexico State, Fresno State and Miami-Ohio) hMas been followed by three losses in Big Ten play. Maryland crushed Minnesota 42-13, but the Gophers were competitive in losses to Iowa (48-31) and Ohio State (30-14).

True freshman Zach Annexstad has started every game, completing 52% of his passes with eight touchdowns and averaging 180 yards passing a game. He’s thrown seven interceptions, all in the three games against Big Ten competition. Annexstad isn’t a threat to run, losing an average of 14 yards eac game from sacks. In Minnesota’s offense, the ground game is primarily powered by their running backs, though tight end Seth Green has now moved back to quarterback as a Wildcat option. Green has rushed 33 times for 113 yards, but more importantly five touchdowns this season.

Running back Rodney Smith tore his ACL early against Fresno State after starting the season with a 153 yard effort against New Mexico State. Freshman Bryce Williams replaced Smith the next two games, rushing for 318 yards and averaging just under 4 yards per carry. Redshirt freshman Mohammed Ibrahim missed the last two non-conference games with a leg injury, but has taken the starting job since returning. He’s rushed for 422 yards this season, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. In the passing game, Annexstad’s primary target is Tyler Johnson, who’s caught 36 passes for 521 yards and six touchdowns; he’s topped 100 yards receiving in four of the Gophers’ six games. True freshman Rashod Bateman (6’2” 200 lbs.) has caught 29 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns.