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TV: BTN
Game Time: 2:30 AM
Radio: 100.3 FM, 1130 AM
Sit back, relax and hopefully enjoy the game. We are bowl eligible and nobody is expecting us to compete in this one. A year ago Nebraska built up a massive half-time lead and then used us as a dummy-defense to work on executing their playbook. Will this year be any different?
The Stats
| Minnesota Golden Gophers | Nebraska Cornhuskers | |
| Points / Game | 23.2 | 37.4 |
| Pass Yards | 187.5 | 213.1 |
| Rush Yards | 166.2 | 269.3 (1) |
| 3rd Down % | 36.8% | 46.3% |
| Key Offensive Player to Watch | Donnell Kirkwood | Taylor Martinez |
| Points Allowed/Game | 22.3 | 23.9 |
| Pass Yards | 168.8 | 164.4 |
| Rush Yards | 168.0 | 179.9 |
| 3rd Down % | 39.3% | 35.3% |
| Key Defensive Player to Watch | Ra'Shede Hageman | Will Compton |
Three Gopher Questions
- What will the Big Ten's best ground game do against our poor rushing defense? - This is the scary part about this afternoon's game. Nebraska has a great rushing attack from their running backs and their quarterback. Our ground defense has been better, but it still leaves a lot to be desired and our defensive line desperately needs to be disciplined and hold their own at the point of attack.
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Can we force Nebraska to play four quarters? - A year ago the Skers built up modest 34-0 half-time lead at TCF Bank Stadium. Total domination and the second half could easily just have been running time. I would love to see a fourth quarter when Nebraska is still playing all starters and having to work to convert third downs.
Does anybody REALLY care about this game? - We have earned bowl eligibility. And nobody expects this game to be within a possession (or even two). Is this game even a blip on the radar if we lose anywhere between 8-27 points? Clearly if we win, people will take serious notice. But assuming we lose, and assuming it is slightly more competitive than it was a year ago, does anybody really care about this game? Maybe it is because of the lack of energy here on TDG, but I don't think anybody is going to get terribly worked up about this game.
I am not very confident about this afternoon. Nebraska's strengths play to our weaknesses, we are on the road and frankly this might be the best team in the Big Ten (who is eligible for a 13th game). This is a barometer game for me, I want a win but I'm most curious to see how this team is improving.