Last week, the Northwestern State Demons snapped a 20-game losing streak with a 20-10 win over Alcorn State. Will they ride this momentum to an upset win over the Gophers?
How to Watch
TV: BTN
Time: 11:00
Stream: BTN
The win over Alcorn State is actually huge for the Demons. A 20-game losing streak is one thing, but they also gave up 545 points last year while scoring just 144. This losing streak would likely be longer but the program cancelled five games in the 2023 season after the tragic death of
a defensive back. Blaine McCorkle took over the program in 2024, which we’ve already established was a rough one, and now brings his Demons to Huntington Bank Stadium.
Here is what it will take for the Gophers to secure the win and move to 2-0 before a critical trip to Berkley.
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Win the line of scrimmage – While this one should be a foregone conclusion, it still needs to be executed. Should Big Ten-caliber offensive and defensive linemen be able to control the line of scrimmage against one of the worst FCS teams in the country? Yes. But these are D1 football players who are also big and strong and have some pride. Minnesota should win out over time, but this is THE key to winning on Saturday.
Stay healthy – Just please don’t get anyone hurt. This is about as close to a “just show up” win as there is in college football. The result is not in doubt. Even if we struggle and barely pull out a win, just please stay healthy.
Win with special teams – The Demons were aided by a blocked punt for a touchdown in their week-one win. Winning special teams will go a long way to securing this win.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #10 QB – Abram Johnston – The Demon’s redshirt freshman quarterback threw a pick-six last week, he was 9/18 passing and he also led the team in rushing with 69 yards on 17 carries. The offense runs through Johnston.
- #3 CB – Caesar McGee III – Began his career as a receiver and now is an all-conference caliber corner. McGee had 3 picks last year while finishing fourth on the team in tackles. He had 1 pass breakup in their first game of 2025.
PREDICTION
This game is not complicated and should be a Gopher lock. NW State may be vastly improved over their winless 2024 season and finally recovered from their 2023 tragedy that set their program back by years. But they are not at a place to beat a decent Big Ten team.
This is the perfect time for the Gophers after beating a solid MAC school, getting the opportunity to clean things up against a weaker opponent and get ready to face an ACC team on the road the following week.
I’m very confident. If your expectations are a 55-0 type of result, you may be disappointed. But this will be a win that is never in doubt.
Minnesota – 34
Northwestern State – 7
