Analyzing the Gophers' next four football opponents

September 5, 2017 at 5:40AM
Maryland receiver D.J. Moore runs the ball after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas)
Maryland receiver D.J. Moore runs the ball after a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Michael Thomas) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

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:

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

Purdue quarterback David Blough has thrown for 2,683 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. He also has run for two TDs.
Purdue quarterback David Blough (11) throws against Louisville during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Indianapolis, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) ORG XMIT: OTKDZ191
Oregon State Beavers quarterback Jake Luton (6) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) ORG XMIT: OTKDZ191 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Middle Tennessee wide receiver Richie James (3) runs after catching a pass against Hawaii during the first quarter of the Hawaii Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Honolulu. James scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner) ORG XMIT: HIET107
Middle Tennessee wide receiver Richie James (3) runs after catching a pass against Hawaii during the first quarter of the Hawaii Bowl NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016, in Honolulu. James scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Eugene Tanner) ORG XMIT: HIET107 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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