Gophers football vs. North Carolina: Keys to game, how to watch and who has the edge (2024)

When: 7 p.m. Thursday

Where: Huntington Bank Stadium

TV: FOX

Radio: KFXN-FM

Weather: 60 percent chance rain, 74 degrees

Betting spread: North Carolina, minus-2

Records: Season opener for both teams

History: Last September, the Gophers lost the first-ever matchup against 20th-ranked UNC, 31-13, in Chapel Hill. QB Drake Maye, the third pick in the NFL draft in April, threw for 414 yards as the Tar Heels never trailed at home.

Big question: What’s the health of Gophers RB Darius Taylor and WR Daniel Jackson? Minnesota’s two best offensive playmakers were dinged up during preseason camp, and when asked about injuries, head coach P.J. Fleck won’t say much and almost always points to the availability reports which come out two hours before kickoff. However, it appears unlikely both stars will miss the first game.

Key matchup: North Carolina tailback Omarion Hampton vs. Gophers run defense. Minnesota was last in the Big Ten against the run in conference games a year ago, allowing 165.9 yards per game, while Hampton was fifth in the country with 1,504 rushing yards (115 per game). LB Cody Lindenberg is back from injury and should immensely help the U front seven against the preseason All-American.

Gophers offense vs. North Carolina defense: All eyes will be on new transfer QB Max Brosmer as he takes over the U offense for the first time. At New Hampshire a year ago, he led FCS in passing yards per game (315), more than double Minnesota’s output last season (143 per game). One incremental step for the U has been to see growth in the short and intermediate passing game; they focused on it a lot during open practices in fall camp. But shots down the field will be a differentiator, and WR Elijah Spencer needs to step up after a down year in 2023. The Charlotte transfer managed only nine catches in 13 games in 2023. … UNC edge rusher Kaimon Rucker had a team-high 60 pressures last season, and with projected first-round NFL pick Aireontae Ersery holding down left tackle, look for Rucker to match up against the U’s other tackle, either Martes Lewis or Phillip Daniels. Lewis is a vet; Daniels is a freshman. … Gophers OC Greg Harbaugh said new Heels DC Geoff Collins, the former Georgia Tech head coach, is “an aggressive guy by nature.” … If Taylor can’t play, look for Oklahoma transfer Marcus Major to receive the bulk of the carries for the U. Fleck said in fall camp that Major reminded him of all-time leading rusher Mo Ibrahim. EDGE: North Carolina

Gophers defense vs. North Carolina offense: Minnesota’s D-line is a veteran and versatile group, while North Carolina’s O-line returns only one starter up front. The Tar Heels relied heavily on the NCAA transfer portal at that position. So, this is an opportunity for the U to pounce on the Tar Heels before they are able to gel. DE Jah Joyner had a team-high 7.5 sacks last season, and the rising NFL prospect has set a goal of double digit sacks this season. … The Tar Heels have not named a starting QB, but Max Johnson, son of former Vikings QB Brad Johnson, appears to be a slight favorite over Conner Harrell. Gophers DC Corey Hetherman said they are preparing for both signal callers; UNC coach Mack Brown plans for both to play. … Tar Heels return WRs J.J. Jones and Nate McCollum, who each had more than 44 receptions and 10 yards per grab last season. Meanwhile, the U’s safeties are the most uncertain position on the roster and must limit busted coverages and explosive plays for Minnesota to start 1-0. EDGE: Minnesota

Special teams: Both placekickers are high quality. The U’s Dragan Kesich made 85 percent (23 of 27) of his field-goal attempts last season and was honored as Big Ten kicker of the year. UNC’s Noah Burnette made 95 percent (19 of 20) and was second-team all-ACC. Alijah Huzzie returned a punt for a touchdown last season for UNC; Minnesota doesn’t have the same home run threat. EDGE: North Carolina

Prediction: Minnesota needed heroics to beat Nebraska 13-10 in last season’s opener at home. The Gophers won’t rely on magic on Thursday, but the result will be even closer. Gophers, 24-23