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Minnesota Gophers

Mason's defense could be scary

College Football: The New Century

'99, 8-4, 5-3 Big Ten

Coach

Glen Mason (fourth season, 16-19; 75-83-1 overall)

Key offensive players

Ben Hamilton, C, Sr.
All-American is considered by many to be the best center in the nation.

Asad Abdul-Khaliq, QB, Fr.
Hasn't played a down yet, but fans got excited following his performance in the spring.

Key defensive players

Sean Hoffman, LB, Sr.
Physical player, who has made 35 consecutive starts, had 81 tackles last year.

Ivan Maisel's Player of the Century: Bronko Nagurski, T, 1927-29
"The first strongest man in the game."

Brightest Moment: The Gophers won three consecutive national championships from 1934-36 under Bernie Bierman, going 23-1 during that stretch.

Lowest Moment: The Gophers were 1-10 in 1983, including several embarrassing losses: 84-13 to Nebraska, 69-18 to Ohio State, 58-10 to Michigan and 61-10 to Iowa.

Karon Riley, DE, Sr.
Dominating end led the Big Ten in sacks with 16 last season.

Ben Mezera, LB, Sr.
Drop linebacker had 17 tackles-for-loss and 12 sacks in '99.

Key newcomer

Abdul-Khaliq, QB, Fr.
Redshirt broke all of Vinny Testaverde's records at prep school. He has a strong arm, quick release and excellent mobility.

Throwback player

Linebacker Sean Hoffman is not exceptionally quick but loves to mix it up in the middle. "He's one of those blue-collar type linebackers who packs a lunch every day and comes to work," Mason said.

21st century player

Kicker Dan Nystrom can dazzle with his vocal chords as well as his feet. He has joined wide receiver Ben Utecht in singing the national anthem at several major sporting events.

Fast Fact

The Gophers rank of 12th in the national polls at one point last year was their highest mark since 1962.

Outlook

When Mason took over following the 1996 season, he immediately set his sights on improving the defense. The Gophers have made strides every year. Last year the Gophers were second in scoring defense (19.8 points per game) in Big Ten play. With eight starters returning, Mason said this year's unit should be even better despite losing All-American safety Tyrone Carter. Offensively, redshirt freshman Thomas Tapeh is expected to help sophomore Tellis Redman replace departed RB Thomas Hamner (1,426 yards). The Gophers do return four starting offensive linemen. "Once again our salvation is going to be our numbers rather than our individual talent -- how well we come together as a team," Mason said. "But we do have some outstanding players."

-- Mark Ambrogi