Aug 283 min read

Gophers Seek Revenge in Week 1 Clash With Tar Heels

Gophers clash with Tar Heels — © Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

College football begins its season in earnest with a full slate of games in Week 1. After a thrilling Week 0, thoughts on the outcomes of games this week are truly up in the air. In only the second-ever meeting between the two schools, the Golden Gophers of Minnesota clash with the Tar Heels of North Carolina at 7 p.m. EST on Aug. 29.

Last season, the Tar Heels won 31-13 over the Golden Gophers on their way to an 8-5 season. Minnesota meanwhile finished at 6-7 after a win in the Quick Lane Bowl. Who has the advantage heading into this matchup? Let's dig in and take a look at some key areas that could pay dividends in the game.

Max vs. Max: A Quarterback Challenge

In an interesting offseason, Minnesota and North Carolina both welcomed new quarterbacks to lead their offenses. Max Johnson takes over after spending two seasons at both LSU and, more recently, Texas A&M. In Johnson, head coach Mack Brown and his staff have a strong-armed signal-caller who has averaged 7.5 yards per pass in his career.

For the Golden Gophers, Max Brosmer transfers in after five seasons at New Hampshire. During his time with the Wildcats he threw for 8,700 yards and 70 touchdowns. He showed a solid ability to push the ball down the field and while not a dual threat, he did make plays when needed. Both quarterbacks are looking for their breakout season, which Max starts the season off in a big way?

Advantage: Max Brosmer. While he is making the leap to the FBS, he has shown he can play and more importantly, lead. Also, after what we saw in Week 0, are we going to short-change anyone before a game is played?

Maverick Baranowski vs. Omarion Hampton

The Tar Heels offense ran on the shoulders of running back Hampton in 2023. With a new quarterback, that shouldn't change. When he was asked at the recent Atlantic Coast Conference Kickoff, Hampton admitted he wants to emulate Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers and be even more involved in the offense. After a season where he had 1,726 all-purpose yards and 16 total touchdowns, him being more productive is a scary notion for opposing defenses.

Baranowski for his part made a solid impact at linebacker in his first season starting. Finishing fourth on the team in tackles with 52 and also recording his first career sack, he shows a solid ability to attack the line and make plays.

Advantage: Hampton. In an age where we don't see work-horse running backs often the workload that Hampton bears is impressive. Baranowski, after finishing fourth on the team in tackles last season will need help to hold Hampton in check.

Kaimon Rucker vs. Aireontae Ersery

They say games are won and lost in the trenches. Seeing UNC defensive end Rucker battle the Gophers' Ersery (OL) certainly has that heavyweight battle feel to it. Ersery for his part, as the blindside protector, only allowed two sacks in 381 pass attempts. Rucker is coming off an 8.5 sack season and is focused on building off it. Getting off to a fast start in Week 1 will be a factor in the game.

Advantage: Rucker. He is a force on the edge for the Tar Heels defense. A downhill attacker that disrupts the offense at every opportunity.