​The Gophers showed why the FCS and FBS are different levels with a dominant 59-7 win over Eastern Illinois on Thursday night. It’s silly to have any big reactions to a game with such a big talent difference, but we’re going to do that anywhere. Here are five overreactions for Minnesota’s season opener.Sep 3, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers fans cheer during the first half against the Eastern Illinois Panthers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesJavon Tracy will comfortably clear 1,000 receiving yardsTracy had an all-time great performance against Eastern Illinois with 265 all-purpose yards, and he became the first player in program history to return two punts for touchdowns in the same game. He also led the team with five receptions for 98 yards. Jalen Smith and Noah Jennings will factor into Minnesota’s receiving game weekly, but Tracy looked like a player who could surpass 1,000 receiving yards this fall. Greg Johnson can win the Outland TrophyJohnson entered 2026 as a potential first-round NFL Draft pick and a second-team preseason All-American. He showed why on Thursday night with a 93.9 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), which was the highest of his college career. The Outland Trophy is awarded annually to the top interior offensive lineman in college football, and Johnson looked like a player who could contend for that award.Darius Taylor will score 20+ touchdownsTaylor looked tremendous on Thursday night with 17 touches for 87 total yards and three touchdowns. He played all over the field with three snaps at slot receiver, one at wildcat QB and 25 more at running back. Mohamed Ibrahim set the program record with 20 touchdowns in 2022. It was clear that Minnesota might want to use its wildcat formation more often this season, so if Taylor stays healthy, he could flirt with 20 total touchdowns this fall.We are in the age of big media consolidation and content networks. But even with the proliferation of AI, nothing can beat the quality and inherent knowledge of local sports journalism. Our writing room consists of a Tommy, a Gopher, and even a Mustang. We know the Minnesota towns and the great names that played on its diamonds, courts, fields or rinks. Subscribe NOW to the new Bring Me The Sports newsletter. We would appreciate your readership and support!This story was originally published by Bring Me The Sports on Sep 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN Gophers section. Add Bring Me The Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.