Year Five of the P.J. Fleck era of Gophers football opens with a huge challenge: No. 4 Ohio State, a 14-point favorite and the highest-ranked team Minnesota has faced in its opener since No. 2 TCU in 2015. A veteran Gophers team will try to put last year's 3-4 record in the past.
Three big story lines
The fans are back
An expected crowd of more than 50,000 is expected at Huntington Bank Stadium with fans allowed after the fallout from COVID-19 kept the stadium mainly empty in 2020. The Gophers hope to draw energy from a boisterous crowd on a festive night.
Will Chris Autman-Bell play?
Wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell, who has 78 career catches for 1,250 yards and six TDs, suffered a lower leg injury on Aug. 12, and Fleck said on his weekly radio show that the redshirt senior is progressing toward being a game-time decision.
The starting debut of C.J. Stroud
Justin Fields is off to the Chicago Bears, and Stroud, a redshirt freshman, takes over the reins of Ohio State's offense. He's yet to throw a collegiate pass, so all eyes will be on him on the national stage.
Two key matchups
Gophers CBs vs. Ohio State WRs
