Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: The Minnesota Golden Gophers went a horrific 1-11 in coach Tim Brewster's first year, without a single win against Big Ten competition.

The final record is about as ugly as it gets, there's no hiding that. However, there were a few positives the team can build on. For example, the Gophers lost six of their games by seven points or less and participated in three overtime affairs, losing two of those contests by a single point.

Nevertheless, one thing that will need a complete overhaul is a defense that was more generous than The United Way. Allowing an average of 37 ppg won't get it done in the Big Ten, or any other conference for that matter. One thing is certain; given the outcome of the 07 season, there is nowhere to go but up for Minnesota.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: Known primarily as a running team for the past decade under former coach Glen Mason, Brewster came in last year and installed a spread offense that never really took off. Now, in year two, he is hopeful it can really start clicking with dual-threat quarterback Adam Weber and company. Weber had an up-and-down year as a redshirt freshman, throwing for 2,895 yards and 24 touchdowns, while also leading the team with 617 rushing yards and five TDs on the ground. However, he threw 19 interceptions, a number that needs to decrease considerably in his second year. Coach Brewster thinks his signal caller is ready to take the next step.

"We really feel like we've got tremendous leadership on our football team right now and it all starts, to me, with the quarterback. I couldn't be more excited about the guy we've got underneath center in Adam Weber. He's an elected captain, was a redshirt sophomore last year. He took his lumps, took every snap, got banged around, got beat up every play, got back up and went to the huddle."

Tailback Duane Bennett ran for 442 yards (4.1 ypc) and three touchdowns as a freshman. Now a starter, Bennett hopes to outgain Weber on the ground. Wideout Eric Decker returns, after catching a single-season record 67 passes for 909 yards and nine TDs. He can expect plenty of double teams this year as a junior. Jack Simmons (17 catches, 229 yards) should be able to take some of the pressure off, now that his toe injury is behind him.

DEFENSE: Last years defense allowed an average of 519 yards per game, most among the 119 schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Obviously, that's not going to get it done this season. Seven starters return from that unit, but they'll need to improve across the board. Minnesota hired former Duke head coach Ted Roof as the new defensive coordinator. The coaching staff spent the offseason stressing a physical, in-your-face style on defense. They brought in several recruits -- some from high school, some from junior college -- to beef up the defensive line.

Defensive end should be a strength, with the return of Willie VanDeSteeg (6-4, 255), Lee Campbell (6-3, 250) and Derrick Onwuachi (6-5, 250). All three linebacker spots are open, with juco transfer Simoni Lawrence (6-1, 205), junior Deon Hightower (6-3, 215) and senior Steve Davis (6-2, 225) likely the leading candidates. The secondary was exposed heavily last season, and will have four new faces this season. Again, the coaching staff has gone to the juco ranks to insert standouts Tramaine Brock and Trae Simmons into the defensive backfield.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Senior kicker Joel Monroe is 10-of-13 as a Gopher, with a long of 54 yards. Senior punter Justin Kucek earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors with a 42.7-yard average last season. While those spots are filled, both return positions remain open.

OUTLOOK: Another season anything like the last certainly won't cut it for Gopher Nation, or for Brewsters job security. The looming move from the Metrodome to the new outdoor TCF Bank Stadium (set to open in 2009) has already boosted the caliber of recruits, but that won't pay dividends for another year or two. Still, Brewster made it clear that none of the returners are safe in their jobs, and he won't hesitate to award starting positions to newcomers who earn it. He certainly is not short on confidence entering the 2008 season.

With a year under Brewster's spread offense, Weber and the passing game should continue to make strides. But Minnesota's running attack needs to catch up, and the defense has got to step up as well. The Gophers should be able to notch a few more wins, but in all likelihood, this program is eyeing 2009 as a springboard year, when the new stadium opens and the young recruits have had a chance to mature.