TV: ESPN
Game Time: 11:00 AM
Radio: 100.3 FM, 1130 AM
Is it strange to say that we are three games into the Big Ten season and this is probably Nebraska's biggest test yet? Illinois and Purdue were their early victims before a push with bye week. The Gophers have renewed confidence after a road win at Northwestern, below are the stats and the keys.
The Stats
Minnesota Golden Gophers | Nebraska Cornhuskers | |
Points / Game | 29.6 | 42.7 |
Pass Yards | 117.7 | 205.3 |
Rush Yards | 210.1 | 284.8 |
3rd Down % | 43.2% | 50.0% |
Key Offensive Player to Watch | Philip Nelson | Ameer Abdullah |
Points Allowed/Game | 23.1 | 27.1 |
Pass Yards | 252.4 | 249.7 |
Rush Yards | 123.4 | 157.5 |
3rd Down % | 42.0% | 28.9% |
Key Defensive Player to Watch | Damien Wilson | Randy Gregory |
3 Keys
Stop the Run - Nebraska has a powerful back and they will run the ball until we stop them. Abdullah is a big back and I fear him. The linebackers better be ready to make some plays, fill some gaps and keep Abdullah in check. Could be a long day for those guys, but this is essential to stopping what is a very good Big Ten offense.
Have to move the ball on offense - Nebraska's defense isn't all that good. Not that we should be able to move the ball with ease, we aren't a very good offense, but we have to move the ball some and put some points on the board. I don't think we wan win a 13-17 game here, we are going to have to score near 30 in my opinion. Move the ball and convert into points.
Step up in the trenches - Nebraska has a very good offensive and defensive lines. On offense they have aided Abdullah to a 7.2 yard per carry average and they lead the Big Ten in fewest sacks allowed. Their defensive line leads the Big Ten in sacks. So the Gopher lines better be up to the challenge today and not get pushed around like they did against Iowa.
I'm not terribly certain of the outcome today. I think Nebraska is probably 13-17 points better. But there is question over who is starting at QB for the skurs and maybe we get a handful of fortunate turnovers that spark the signature upset this program needs.