Fortunately, the Gophers return home for a week.
How to Watch
TV: BTN
Time: 2:30
Stream: FoxSports.com
I know that Michigan State is 0-5 in the Big Ten and the Gophers are undefeated at home this season.
But the Spartans have played a fairly rigorous conference schedule facing four teams who have been ranked at one point this season. Is this a certain win for Minnesota?
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Show up in the first quarter – I know that we’re feeling more confident because this is a home game, but it would be nice to see this team show up in the first quarter. Outside of the NW State game, we’ve been outscored 49-3 in the first quarter this season. In the last 17 games against a Power4 opponent, we have trailed at the end of the first quarter in 12 of them.
Get to Aiden Chiles – The Spartans quarterback has just 4 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and a 57% completion percentage in Big Ten games and he’s been sacked 13 times. Will we see another bevy of sacks by the Gopher defense? And can we apply enough pressure to get a turnover or two?
Find the ground game again – Greg Harbaugh Jr’s offense found some room to run against Nebraska for the first time this year, can they find it again against the Spartans? The Gopher offense is not setting any records, but it operates much more efficiently when they can run the ball.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #2 QB – Aiden Chiles – He was mentioned above but he is the one to watch on offense as the team’s quarterback and also 2nd leading rusher with 227 yards, 81 carries and 6 rushing touchdowns.
- #5 LB – Jordan Hall – Joe Rossi loves his linebackers and Hall is a good one. He leads the Spartans in tackles, has 2 sacks and has an interception.
PREDICTION
Have the Spartans been very good on defense this year? No. But have they been dangerous offensively? Also, no.
I’m feeling pretty confident in this one, which should make us all very nervous.
Minnesota – 31
Michigan State – 17
