Coach Mack Brown, taking a page from Fleck’s playbook, didn’t release a depth chart this week, keeping things in the dark on his starting QB. Look for Max Johnson, a transfer from Texas A&M and LSU and the son of former Vikings QB Brad Johnson, to take the most snaps and Conner Harrell to see action, too.
UNC DE Kaimon Rucker vs. Gophers LT Aireontae Ersery
Ersery, one of college football’s top left tackles, takes on Rucker, who had 8.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks last season. If Ersery can keep Brosmer clean while still excelling on run blocks, the Gophers will be in good shape.
UNC RB Omarion Hampton vs. Gophers LB Cody Lindenberg
A hamstring injury kept Lindenberg out of this game last year, but he’s healthy and prepared to take on Hampton, a 1,500-yard rusher last season who found the end zone 15 times. Hampton has a solid backup in USC transfer Darwin Barlow.
133.2 Rushing yards per game by Gophers RB Darius Taylor last year. Taylor appeared to injure a hamstring during training camp, and he’ll likely be on the availability report. Oklahoma transfer Marcus Major would be the next man up.