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| EASTERN ILLINOIS PANTHERS | Game 1 | MINNESOTA GOPHERS |
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| Date: | August 28, 2014 | Location: | Minneapolis, MN |
| Time: | 6:00 PM Central | Stadium: | TCF Bank Stadium |
| TV: | Big Ten Network | Radio: | KOOL 108 (107.9 FM) Gophers Radio Network XM Ch 84 Sirius Ch 84 |
| Internet Stream: | BTN2Go.com BTN2Go Mobile App | Radio Stream: | Silver and Black Pride |
| TV Announcers: | Eric Collins, Glenn Mason & Jamie Hersch | Know Thy Foe: | Eastern Illinois Preview |
| Weather: | 68 degrees, winds from the ESE at 9 MPH, 55% chance of rain | ||
| Line: | Minnesota by -26.5 | ||
3 Keys, 2 Players to Watch, 1 Prediction
Dominate the Line of Scrimmage - This is an FCS team, the Gophers have an experienced and talented offensive line, they need to control the line of scrimmage. I expect to see some open rushing lanes and clean pockets for Leidner.
Turnovers - This maybe isn't a key to winning the game but turnovers are contagious and I think it carries over from game to game. I'd love to see the defense generate about three turnovers tonight and really build up some confidence to start the season.
Confidence for Mitch - This is another key that is more for the rest of the season than it is for tonight. Tonight I suspect we will run the ball with relative ease controlling the line of scrimmage and the clock. But I hope we put Leidner in positions to succeed, complete passes, maybe even make a couple big plays. Get our QB1 some confidence.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #88 - WR - Adam Drake - 2nd team pre-season FCS All-American. We have a pretty good secondary and it will be nice to see them get challenged by a talented receiver early.
- #2 - DB/Rover - Jourdan Wickliffe - 1st team All-Ohio Valley in 2013.
PREDICTION
Gophers win this one and in the 4th quarter you will see two things, Chris Streveler and plenty of open seats.
Minnesota - 34
Easter Illinois - 13