4 Reasons The Gophers Can Win The Big Ten West

It seems like a recycled statement locally, but it's a big year for the University of Minnesota football program.

It's a year with all kinds of potential. But every time we buy into Gophers football, disappointment is inevitable. Last year was supposed to be a big year for the Maroon and Gold, but Jerry Kill had to retire due to health issues and the Gophers finished 6-7 after winning a mediocre bowl game.

This year, it's Tracy Claeys taking over the program with a new offensive line coach and a new offensive coordinator, and the schedule has eased a bit. A lot has to happen, but many close to the program believe there's no reason the Gophers can't take a significant step and compete for a division title.

Here are four reasons why the Gophers can win the Big 10 West.

Senior Quarterback Mitch Leidner

As with any football team, you're only as good as your quarterback.

Mitch Leidner, now a fifth-year senior, says he was significantly limited last year due to a foot injury. Despite that, he still threw for more than 2,700 yards and 14 touchdowns after a very slow start. He finished strong and was even the MVP of the Quick Lane Bowl, a 21-14 win over Central Michigan.

But if the Gophers want to be serious contenders for the Big 10 West title, Leidner has to have a big year both with his arm and his feet. Some NFL experts have Leidner tabbed as a potential first-round pick, and ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has picked Minnesota to win the division. If it's going to happen, Leidner has to establish a legitimate passing game to keep defenses honest.

It's pretty simple: If Leidner has a big year, the Gophers are likely playing relevant football in November.

Schedule Is More Favorable

The Gophers have never been afraid to face tough opponents. Two straight years, they've faced national power TCU. In recent seasons, their Big 10 crossover schedule has included the likes of Michigan, Michigan State and Ohio State. While they welcome the challenge, this year's schedule allows the potential for a big year. That's because they don't face the Wolverines, Spartans or Buckeyes.

Minnesota has three very winnable non-conference games, then has a tough stretch with its Big Ten opener at Penn State and home against Iowa. After that, they have a four game stretch at Maryland, home against Rutgers, at Illinois and home against Purdue. If the Gophers consider themselves serious league contenders, all four of those are games they should win.

They still have to go out and get the job done on the field, but the schedule at least gives the Gophers a chance this year.

Defense Getting Better Every Year

One thing that has Gophers fans excited about football again is the fact that when Kill took over the program, it was essential to have a good defense. That unit is built around speed and tackling, and that won't change under Claeys. He had to give up being a defensive coordinator and has since handed that duty to Jay Sawvel, who was the secondary coach. That secondary has produced NFL draft picks, the most recent being Eric Murray.

In five of their six victories last year, Minnesota allowed 20 points or fewer. The Gophers have several top returners back on defense and have enough highly-touted newcomers that it's a group that should be fun to watch.

Big Year For Tracy Claeys

Even after being named the permanent head coach to replace Kill last season, Tracy Claeys knows it's a big year for his future with Minnesota. If the Gophers only win five or six games, his contract has a low buyout and with a new athletic director in Mark Coyle, there could be a search for a new coach. But Claeys is in the first full year of a three-year contract, and the one thing Minnesota's program needs is stability at the top.

With eight to 10 wins, it could be proof that Claeys is taking the program to the next level. Exactly what level that is remains to be seen. But Claeys and his players have said they'll put in the work that it takes to get there. They haven't shied away from talking about the Rose Bowl.

It seems like every year is a big year for the Gophers, but these are just a few factors that could lead to it being a fun year for Minnesota.