Jul 25, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Tracy Claeys addresses the media during the Big Ten football media day at the Hyatt Regency. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers football team will kick off their regular season tonight against Oregon State. Minnesota’s offense struggled mightily throwing the ball last season, but that may change in 2016.

Tracy Claeys will kick off his inaugural season as the official Head Coach of the Minnesota Golden Gophers. It’s an opportunity for the Gophers to get off to a fast start against a power five conference in opponent Oregon State. (Pac-12)

Claeys has already made a few changes to the coaching staff, bringing in Jay Johnson and Bart Miller. Johnson will be the new offensive coordinator/QB coach and Miller will take over the offensive line duties. These changes seemed almost necessary after watching Minnesota struggle to push the ball downfield over the last couple of seasons.

In college football the preseason is the equivalent of scheduling a couple of cream-puffs for the first few weeks of regular play. Oregon State is coming off of a two win season in 2015. The Gophers should be able to control the flow of this game on both sides of the ball.

#GopherGameDay has finally arrived. Get another look at everything you need to know ➡️ https://t.co/F5hWSEm3q3 pic.twitter.com/jVmkr9iNYW — Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) September 1, 2016

What to watch on offense-

Mitch Leidner will improve his accuracy, starting tonight. Leidner has had all spring and summer to work with Jay Johnson. The fifth year senior is the old man on the U of M campus, so he should have no trouble learning Johnson’s new system.

Can Minnesota’s beefed up o-line hold up. The Gophers hit the junior college circuit hard to find help for the guys up front. Right guard Vincent Calhoun is the prime example, earning a starting spot coming out of Southwest Mississippi Community College.

K.J Maye’s departure leaves some big shoes to fill on the outside. Rashad Still and Drew Wolitarsky should have some opportunities against the Beavers.

Speedster Rodney Smith and the bruising transfer Kobe McCrary will look to continue a powerful running game coming out of 2015.

What to watch om defense-

The Minnesota Gopher’s defense has been their backbone over the last few seasons. The Gophers will look for someone to step up in the defensive backfield after losing some key starters. Jalen Myrick should be a key contributor.

Getting pressure on the opposing QB will also be a key focus in tonight’s match-up. The Gophers have some experience on the defensive line, but that may not be enough.

The Gophers biggest strength on D is their linebacking corps. Jack Lynn and Cody Poock lead the way for this talented and experienced group.

Prediction-

I predicted the Minnesota Gophers to hover around .500 for 2016. This game should fall into the win column for a team looking to make a statement. Gophers win 34-17.

Game Details:

8:00 PM Big Ten Network and BTN2

TCF Bank Stadium

Listen:

100.3 KFAN FM

1130 KTLK AM