John Michael Schmitz
FILE - Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz talks to reporters during an NCAA college football news conference at the Big Ten Conference media days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Quarterback Tanner Morgan, running back Mo Ibrahim, wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell and center John Michael Schmitz will be major drivers of whatever success the Gophers enjoy in 2022.(AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Ibrahim's return fueled Gophers super seniors for 1 more try

By Dave Campbell Aug. 15, 2022 01:56 PM EDT

Nebraska red team quarterback Casey Thompson (11) signals the sideline between plays against the white team during the first half of Nebraska's NCAA college football annual red-white spring game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, April 9, 2022. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Big Ten's best defenses come out of spring in rebuild mode

By Eric Olson Apr. 25, 2022 05:44 PM EDT

FILE - Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) in action during an NCAA college football game between Minnesota and Indiana in Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
West Virginia facing tough run test against Minnesota

By John Marshall Dec. 27, 2021 12:50 PM EST

Michigan Wolverines running back Hassan Haskins (25) is tackled by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Bryce Gallagher (32) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Run-heavy Gophers take win streak to Northwestern

Oct. 28, 2021 01:28 PM EDT

Maryland wide receiver Rakim Jarrett (5) is tackled by Minnesota defensive back Jordan Howden (23) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Maryland at Minnesota 10/23/2021

Oct. 23, 2021 05:23 PM EDT

Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) passes against Nebraska in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 30-23. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota's seasoned line in peak form with Maryland up next

By Dave Campbell Oct. 21, 2021 01:03 PM EDT

Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) passes under pressure from Minnesota during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Nebraska at Minnesota 10/16/2021

Oct. 16, 2021 01:37 PM EDT

Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe talks to reporters during an NCAA college football news conference at the Big Ten Conference media days, Thursday, July 22, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Experienced Gophers talking unfinished business this season

By Dave Campbell Aug. 16, 2021 11:05 AM EDT

Minnesota wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell is tackled by Purdue safety Brennan Thieneman, left, and linebacker Jaylan Alexander during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Purdue at Minnesota 11/20/2020

Nov. 20, 2020 09:15 PM EST

Minnesota running back Rodney Smith stays on his feet as Nebraska linebacker Mohamed Barry tries to tackle him during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Rodney Smith, unbeaten Gophers run over Huskers 34-7

By Dave Campbell Oct. 12, 2019 11:09 PM EDT