After putting up only 17 points in their opener, the Gophers enter a stretch in which they will face some high-scoring opponents and might need big points to keep up. A look at their next four opponents:
Analyzing the Gophers' next four football opponents
Saturday at Oregon State
The Beavers are giving up 45 points per game, so they need to throw the ball with JUCO All-America Jake Luton (pictured) and run it with Ryan Nall (5.6 yards per carry).
Sept. 16 vs. Middle Tennessee State
The Blue Raiders lost 28-6 to Vanderbilt, but their offense is potent. QB Brent Stockstill threw for 31 TDs in 2016 and WR Richie James (pictured) has 223 catches for 3,083 yards and 21 TDs in 27 games.
Sept. 30 vs. Maryland
The Terrapins upset Texas by scoring 51 points on the road, with D.J. Moore (pictured) catching seven passes for 133 yards and Ty Johnson rushing 12 times for 132 yards.
Oct. 7 at Purdue
Under new coach Jeff Brohm and QB David Blough (pictured), the Boilermakers hung with No. 16 Louisville before falling 35-28 in Indianapolis.
RANDY JOHNSON
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Aaron Huglen and wife Maddie are expecting their first baby right before the Gophers take aim at a sixth NCAA title.