Ohio State football: 5 questions with a Minnesota insider

While thinking of a way to preview the Ohio State football team’s game with Minnesota, I considered doing some research on the Gophers and telling you what I think of them. But, who knows a team better than someone who covers them on a daily basis? I reached out to Randy Johnson, who covers them on a daily basis for the StarTribune, and asked him a few questions about Minnesota.

Let’s start with fall camp. What has been the biggest storyline that has developed for the Gophers? Have there been any real surprises?

A: Probably the biggest storylines that have developed for the Gophers are the improved depth along the defensive line, with interior lineman Nyles Pinckney, a transfer from Clemson, playing a key role. End Boye Mafe, the team’s sack leader in 2020, now has some more help. Another transfer in the interior, Val Martin of N.C. State, adds depth. You’ll see a lot of players rotating along the D line. … The other big storyline is the lower leg injury suffered by receiver Chris Autman-Bell during camp. Autman-Bell is the team’s top wideout, and coach P.J. Fleck on Friday said his status is day-to-day.

In what area do you feel Minnesota matches up well with the Ohio State football team? On the other hand, what matchup makes you nervous?

A: Well, I won’t be nervous because I’m not playing. … As for the matchup that best suits the Gophers, I’d say it’s back Mohamed Ibrahim running behind a veteran offensive line that has six players rotating among the five positions. Ibrahim is the reigning Big Ten running back of the year, averaging 153.7 yards per game in 2020. The line will face a big challenge in Ohio State’s defensive line, but it is a position of strength for the Gophers. … The toughest matchup for Minnesota will be its secondary against receivers like Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson. That’ll be a tremendous challenge for any team.

In an article a few weeks ago, I named Mohamed Ibrahim as one of the five best players Ohio State will face in the regular season. Who are a few other Gophers Buckeye fans should know about?

A: Certainly, quarterback Tanner Morgan is one to watch. He’s looking for a bounce-back year after throwing only seven TD passes last year, 23 fewer than he had during the 11-2 season in 2019, when he had Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman as his top two wideouts. Backup running back Treyson Potts adds a pass-catching dimension. On defense, Jack Gibbens, a graduate transfer from Abilene Christian, and Braelen Oliver, back from a knee injury, should bolster a linebacker group that struggled last year.

Head coach P.J. Fleck’s program had a lot of momentum after an 11-win season that included a bowl win over Auburn in 2019. Last season they won just three of seven games. Are the Gophers capable of regaining that momentum in 2021?

A: The schedule sets up for it, with winnable nonconference games against Miami (Ohio), Colorado, and Bowling Green, followed by a five-game Big Ten stretch that includes Purdue, Nebraska, Maryland, Northwestern, and Illinois. The finishing trio will be tough, with trips to Iowa and Indiana and the home finale vs. Wisconsin.

The Gophers obviously need to stay away from turnovers and penalties against the Buckeyes. What else do they need to do to pull off an upset?

A: Two of the Gophers’ biggest wins under Fleck – the 37-15 victory at Wisconsin in 2018 and the 31-24 Outback Bowl triumph over Auburn following the 2019 season – saw Minnesota possess the ball for 35:06 and 37:35, respectively. Keeping the Buckeyes offense on the sideline as much as possible is Gophers’ best route to an upset, though it’s one that’s easier said than done against an opponent of Ohio State’s caliber.

There you have it. Great information from a Minnesota insider. The Ohio State football team has their work cut out for them against a veteran team who has the ability to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Going to be a challenging opener for Ryan Day’s team on the road to open the season.