The Gophers get to play Northwestern at Wrigley Field. This should be a fun environment and hopefully a large number of Minnesota fans have made the trip. But can Minnesota get their first road win of the season?
How to Watch
TV: BTN
Time: 11:00
Stream: FoxSports.com
Two teams that need this win. Northwestern needs one more win to be bowl eligible. But next week is a trip to Illinois, a game that feels more daunting for them than this semi-home game against the Gophers.
Minnesota needs this win to keep hopes alive for a more desirable bowl destination. Beat the Wildcats and then Wisconsin next week, and Nashville is a realistic destination.
Here’s what it will take to get that win.
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Find offense – Whichever team finds some offensive rhythm and success is going to win. Both teams’ offenses have been…lacking. Minnesota ranks 14th in the Big Ten in points per game and the Wildcats are one spot behind them at 15th. The Gophers’ most likely path to success is through the air, but offense is a must.
Stop the run – The Wildcats are not passing the ball with much success. Over their last two games, against Michigan and USC, they averaged 167 yards through the air. Their ground game is OK and stopping it is key to bringing their offense to a grinding halt.
Poise from Drake – We have been terrible on the road throughout the season and it is partially attributed to having a freshman quarterback who is learning on the job. Also, partially due to our conference road games being at Ohio State, Iowa and Oregon. Northwestern is not of the same caliber and this is an opportunity to get that road monkey off his back.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #5 RB – Caleb Komolafe – The team’s leading rusher and he cannot have a good game.
- #37 LB – Max Uihlein – This senior linebacker is very good. He is tough and is active all over the field.
PREDICTION
All season, this has been a win in my mind. But over the last month, I have become less optimistic. Northwestern scoring two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, only to lose on a last-second field goal to Michigan last week, does not help my confidence.
If the Gopher offense looks like they did against Nebraska, they will win. If not, this will be an ugly game that I fear Northwestern will pull out in the end.
Minnesota – 23
Northwestern – 24
