The Minnesota Gophers enter their ninth season under head coach PJ Fleck facing questions about their ceiling and floor for 2024.
CBS Sports delivered a harsh assessment of Minnesota’s potential struggles this season. The outlet projects a worst-case scenario that has the Gophers finishing 4-8.
The prediction centers on Minnesota’s offensive line struggles derailing the entire season.
CBS Sports analyst Tom Fornelli outlined how offensive line losses could create a domino effect throughout the roster.
“Losses on the offensive line prove too much to overcome, and Minnesota is unable to run the ball effectively against any defense with a pulse. This leads to far too much being put on Drake Lindsey’s shoulders offensively, and he can’t handle it.”
Lindsey enters his first season as the starting quarterback. He’s never started a game at Minnesota.
The Gophers built their identity around running back Darius Taylor and a ground-heavy offense under Fleck. If the offensive line can’t create holes, Minnesota would need Lindsey to carry the passing game.
Fornelli’s projection suggests that’s asking too much of the first-year starter.
The defensive concerns focus on depth and physical wear throughout the season. Minnesota’s defense showed improvement last year but lost key contributors.
“On defense, the unit starts the season well but wears down physically as the season progresses, leading to injuries that put too many inexperienced players at key spots. The only wins come against Buffalo, Northwestern State, Rutgers, and Purdue, as the season ends with six straight losses.”
Four wins total would represent a significant step backward for the program.
The projected victories come against Buffalo and Northwestern State in non-conference play. Minnesota would add Big Ten wins over Rutgers and Purdue before losing six straight games to end the season.
Minnesota finished 7-5 last season and earned a bowl appearance. The Gophers showed resilience in close games and developed Taylor into one of the Big Ten’s top running backs.
A 4-8 collapse would mark one of the worst seasons under Fleck’s tenure.
The prediction highlights Minnesota’s key vulnerabilities heading into 2024. Offensive line depth, quarterback experience, and defensive depth all represent question marks for the Gophers.
Fleck has built Minnesota into a bowl-eligible program during most of his tenure. The worst-case scenario would test that foundation and raise questions about the program’s trajectory in an increasingly competitive Big Ten.
