In the eyes of Minnesota defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, the Gophers’ season opener against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 24, is a starting point in more ways than one.
Since the former defensive line coach was promoted to defensive coordinator in November 2018 after the midseason firing of Robb Smith, the Gophers are 14-3, and last season ranked ninth nationally in passing defense (184.2 passing yards allowed per game), 23rd in rushing defense (122.4 rushing yards allowed per game), and tied for 37th in scoring defense (22.5 points allowed per game). But as impressive as the defensive turnaround at Minnesota has been under Rossi, navigating the 2020 season may be his greatest achievement yet.