After last season's pick-6 to end the game and the double OT loss of 2007, the Gophers look to take care of the Wildcats. This is one of those games that is kind of a must-win for both programs. Both programs are trying to establish themselves as a legitimate Big Ten football team. And if either program wants to be considered a notch above the mediocre-middle of the conference this is the kind of game that they have to win.
For the Gophers, this is our most winable road game within the conference. I believe that we are ready for this game but lets talk about it as we go.
A couple minor predictions...
- I think another receiver has a really big day. Brandon Green gets my vote but it could easily be Troy Stoudermire. There is so much emphasis on Decker and Green has quietly raised his profile with several key catches in the first few games of this season. Watch for Green to have a breakout game of sorts.
- We will establish the run today. Last season on the Big Ten road we averaged 7 more carries and 50 more yards on the ground. Not sure why that is but this is the game we run and run until we NU stops us.
- NU runningbacks will be held in check today. If they rack up rushing yards it will be with Kaftka. After facing Air Force and Jahvid Best the defense will enjoy seeing this NU rushing attack and will start to see their rushing defense stats come back down to a level that shows how good they really are.
Get this W, Go Gophers!