clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

College Football Opening Weekend: Gopher Football Kicks Off Season Hosting Eastern Illinois - OPEN THREAD

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports














EASTERN ILLINOIS PANTHERS Game 1 MINNESOTA GOPHERS
Eiu_logo_medium

@


Large_thedailygopher.com.full_medium












































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

Maroon_key_medium 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.

Maroon_key_medium
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.

Maroon_key_medium
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