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The holiday week is a tough one for a blogger. When you travel you lose the ability to blog like you do at home, often forced to use a computer that doesn't have the same capabilities or programs. You've got family obligations that rank above writing time. And if you're me, you also get sick. Because why not.
My point? Well, this long list of excuses is supposed to explain my failure to complete a Game Day Vitals post earlier in the week. I wasn't too worried about this oversight until I saw this on Twitter:
Holy crap, the @TexasBowl kicks off this year at 5?! Good thing I double checked today, totally thought it was a 7pm kickoff. #Whoopsie
— Jeremy Formo (@JFormo) December 26, 2013
It was then I resolved to correct my error immediately, so that any of you who were still under the impression that the game was at 7pm could be enlightened. After all, you need time to decide what kind of "appointment" you had to leave the office early for or come up with a creative excuse to give Uncle Ralph as to why you're missing dinner.
So, in case you were not yet aware here is the buried lede:
THE GOPHERS PLAY AT 5PM CST ON ESPN
Here's the more traditional version:
THE BASICS
Opponent: Syracuse Orange
When and Where: 5 PM CST; Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Media:
TV: ESPN
Broadcast Team: Mark Jones (@MarkJonesESPN), Brock Huard (@BrockESPN), & Kaylee Hartung (@KayleeHartung)
Radio: KFAN (100.3 in the Twin Cities) and the Gopher Radio Network (Radio Affiliates).You can also listen to the game via the IHeartRadio app for your mobile device or get online audio here.
Internet: WatchESPN for your computer or mobile device.
Line: Minnesota is favored by 4.5 as of right now.
Weather
Here is an early forecast:
Why is this not as simple as DOME? Because of this:
Plan is for the roof to be open at the @TexasBowl tomorrow. #Gophers http://t.co/XiWxhzDKgu
— Gopher Football (@GopherFootball) December 26, 2013
I mean, ok, it's really still DOME since any weather that would negatively affect the game would immediately result in the roof being closed. So maybe the forecast is DOME WITH A CHANCE OF SHADOWS?
THE ENEMY
Enemy Blog: Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician (@NunesMagician)
Series Record: 3-1 Minnesota, with the Gophers winning the last 3 in a row.
This Season
6-6 (4-4 ACC). Based on what I've read and heard, I think Cuse fans reaction to this season can be summed up as:
I'd be happy too. As you've probably gathered by now, the Orange are similar to Minnesota in that their defense is better than their offense. From the Troy Nunes crew I've deduced that their run defense is fairly stout (very stout depending on who you talk to) and their pass defense is...well...
It's really bad I guess. I'm sure there are stats backing that up, but I'm running out of time to complete this already delayed post so I'll settle for the GIF as proof.
THE #TAKES
1) Minnesota will win, but I think a blowout is unlikely. Philip Nelson? That's your cue to complete 65% of your passes en route to a Gopher blowout.
2) The Gophers will win at the LOS. This will allow them to pull away for a 7-10 point victory in the 4th quarter.
3) I like people sometimes. Troy Nunes raised $44,444 to send 1400 kids to the Texas Bowl. That's just great work.
