2003: 10-3 overall, 5-3 Big Ten (T-4th)
Coach: Glen Marson 44-40 in 7 years at the school
Returning starters: 15; 7 offense, 6 defense, punter, kicker
Players to watch: RB Marion Barber III (1,196 yds., 207 att., 17 TD), RB Lawrence Maroney (1,121 yds., 162 att., 10 TD), C Greg Eslinger, DE Darrell Reid (5.5 sacks, 12 TFL), LB Terrance Campbell (87 tackles, 4 sacks, 9.5 TFL)
Hot topics: For someone supposedly on the outs with his players after he openly campaigned for the Ohio State job in 2001, Mason has regained their trust, evidenced by back-to-back bowl wins and the first 10-win season since 1905. Barber and Maroney combined for 2,317 yards rushing last year and give the Gophers the best one-two punch in the nation.
Cold facts: New starting quarterback Bryan Cupito must produce and produce early to keep defenses from stacking the box against the run. The Cincinnati native is considered a better passer than the three-year starter, Asad Abdul-Khalig, he is replacing. But even if Cupito is clicking early, can a ground-oriented attack win its share of shootouts? The defense gave up 30 or more points in five games last year, including 104 in the last three.
Overview: A schedule that doesn't include Ohio State and Purdue helps give the Gophers a chance to play on New Year's Day. They get Iowa at home in the finale. Their toughest games will be road trips to Michigan and Wisconsin.
--Jon Spencer
Originally published Wednesday, September 8, 2004
