The Minnesota Golden Gophers went 9-4 (6-3 B1G) last season, including a victory over West Virginia in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. Sixth-year head coach P.J. Fleck is looking to carry that momentum into this season.

The Gophers kickoff against New Mexico State on Sept. 1. Minnesota’s first B1G tilt is against Michigan State on Sept. 24.

So what are some takeaways for the Gophers to have a successful season? BTN analyst Joshua Perry recently took a bus trip to Minneapolis and offered his thoughts.

Perry’s take on Mohamed Ibrahim is spot on. The 5-foot-10 back returns after suffering a season-ending leg injury against Ohio State last season. Ibrahim rushed for 163 yards and 2 touchdowns before the setback.

In his career, Ibrahim has two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt (2018/2020). Moreover, Ibrahim rushed for 15 touchdowns in 2020. Minnesota fans should be excited about seeing him back in the backfield.

Perry cites the Gophers’ defense and talent plus depth in his other takeaways.