Speaking of moments and memories, this series has had its share of memorable games. I was at the game in 1993 that ended with a 59-56 win for the Gophers behind Omar Douglas’s six touchdown receptions. And again in 1995, when Chris Darkins went off for 294 yards and Minnesota went for two with under two minutes to play to win 39-38. It was either the 1997 or 1999 game that turned when the referee said the Gopher receiver caught a touchdown that was ruled out of bounds because the Metrodome endzone
wasn’t painted all the way to the white lines.
Gopher fans would be much happier with a comfortable win on Saturday evening.
How to Watch
TV: BTN
Time: 7:00
Stream: Peacock
Last week was an emotional win for the Gopher program; now they have to move forward and find a way to beat an improved Purdue team in West Lafayette. Can they continue the momentum of the season and get a second road win this season?
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Contain Feme Ijeboi – The former Gopher is the lead back for a Purdue rushing attack that ranks near the bottom of the Big Ten. It is likely that Ijeboi is going to play inspired against his old team, but we cannot let Purdue run the ball because the real key is to make them one-dimensional.
Find offense again – Would love to see the Gophers put up 400 yards of offense against the worst defense in the Big Ten. Purdue ranks last in points allowed, last in total yards allowed, 2nd to last in rushing yards, 2nd to last in passing yards and also last in third-down conversions. This is the game to get the offense back on track. I want a ton of yards that lead to points.
Pressure on Browne – Probably the least athletic quarterback that we have faced all season, but Browne can throw the ball. But he’s been sacked 13 times this season (16th in the Big Ten for sacks allowed) and this looks like an opportunity for the defensive front to get some pressure and bring him down.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #2 RB – Fame Ijeboi – The former Gopher didn’t want to be a part of this crowded backfield, so he headed to West Lafayette to be the primary carrier.
- #5 LB – Charles Correa – Junior linebacker from Hawaii who is the defense’s biggest playmaker.
PREDICTION
On paper, Minnesota is the better team in almost every area you could look. They give up a ton of sacks; Minnesota is near the top of the Big Ten in sacks. They are the worst rushing offense in the Big Ten; Minnesota is one of the best rushing defenses in the Big Ten. But they found a way to win at Illinois last week and Barry Odom is a good coach. This game has me way more nervous than I should be.
I could easily see a scenario where the Gopher offense gets on a roll, the defense manages one or two well-timed turnovers and Minnesota rolls to a comfortable win. But more likely, both teams try to control the clock, scoring is low and Purdue finds a way to win at home when it looks like Minnesota has a severe hangover after the Michigan win.
There were a ton of questions surrounding Danny Collins after the Mississippi State game, and he has answered with wins at Washington and at home over Michigan, where his defense looked outstanding. But this is the game where he can really solidify that we can trust him to run this Gopher defense for the long term. They are facing a different style of offense on the road and desperately trying to avoid a letdown after a couple of big wins.
Let’s hope that the defense comes to play, shuts down Browne and the offense. And then the Gopher offense finds the offense a few times.
Minnesota – 31
Purdue – 20
