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Outside of the final score, new Gophers defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman’s most-important stat is stopping the run.
Well, Minnesota’s last-ranked rush defense in the Big Ten in 2023 will have a tough test to show immediate improvement in the season opener against North Carolina, and its standout running back Omarion Hampton, on Aug. 29 at Huntington Bank Stadium.
“That will be the No. 1 thing: stop the run,” Hetherman said Monday. “We got to stay ahead of the sticks, and we got to put our defense in capable situations.”
The 6-foot, 220-pound junior was fifth in the nation last year with 1,504 yards on 253 carries (5.9 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns en route to being a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation’s best tailback.
“He is an electric player,” Hetherman said. “He makes a lot of big plays. We got to be ready to contain and control him up front.”
Minnesota gave up a Big-Ten worst 165.9 rushing yards across nine league games last season. To end 2023, the U gave up 353 yards at Purdue, 215 at Ohio State and 267 versus Wisconsin.
Hetherman replaced Joe Rossi, who left for the same job at Michigan State. Under Rossi a year ago, the Gophers held Hampton to 3.5 yards per carry (46 total on 13 rushes and one touchdown) in the Tar Heels’ 31-13 win in Chapel Hill last September.
However, UNC quarterback Drake Maye threw for 414 yards in the blowout, but he was the third overall pick by New England in the NFL draft.
The Tar Heels haven’t named a starting quarterback this camp, but Max Johnson, the son of former Vikings QB Brad Johnson, is believed to have an edge over Conner Harrell. Hetherman said they are preparing to play against both QBs next Thursday.
UNC is believed to have other talented tailbacks in the mix but is in transition up front with only one returning…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gophers-football-defense-litmus-test-211300254.html
Author : Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minn.
Publish date : 2024-08-19 21:13:00
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