Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88), defensive back Cedric Thompson (2), and wide receiver Devon Wright (25) lead their team out of the tunnel during the 2015 Citrus Bowl at Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida. Missouri wins 33-17 over Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Key Losses:
David Cobb (Leading rusher)
Maxx Williams (Leading receiver)
Damien Wilson (Led defense in tackles and sacks)
Cedric Thompson (Led defense in interceptions, 2nd in tackles)
The Minnesota Golden Gophers had a great season in 2014. No one seen this team coming and performing the way they did last season. It was a nice story with David Cobb leading the way.
That Cinderella Story is coming to an end though. Minnesota is losing their core guys and will be coming back down to Earth pretty hard.
They do get their quarterback back in Mitch Leidner but he had a lack-luster season in 2014. The Golden Gophers are losing the leading rusher from last season, David Cobb.
Cobb was a big part of the offense for Minnesota. He rushed for 1,626 yards and led the team to an 8-5 record overall and a 5-3 Big Ten record.
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Minnesota is also losing their leading receiver, Maxx Williams. Williams will be one of the top tight ends taken in this year’s NFL Draft. This will be a major piece that the Golden Gophers will be missing in 2015.
The defense is going to suffer as well.
Minnesota’s leader in sacks and tackles, Damien Wilson, is gone and so is the leader in interceptions and 2nd in tackles, Cedric Thompson.
While the Golden Gophers had a great season last year, don’t look for a repeat. They are going to struggle and probably not even make a bowl game this season.
Illinois football plays them the 2nd to last game of the season in Minnesota. Big Ten road games are never easy for any team, especially Illinois. I think the Illini pull this one out 35-24
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