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Opening Thoughts
I must admit, the Wisconsin game feels like a lifetime ago. I mean, it was legitimately one month ago but it feels like even longer. I'm going to assume the lackluster basketball and hockey performances in the interim have made time feel as though it's passing slowly. Boo all of that.
You know what we need? A GOPHER FOOTBALL VICTORY! That'll perk us right up! And we're going to get it, of this I have no doubt. That's right, confidence. Everyone enjoy a little cup of it as you start your Monday.
Gnome #TAKES
In case you didn't know the Gophers made it to a bowl at 5-7 and local sports talking heads still think this is a travesty. The gnomes would like to borrow a bit from TDG alum JDMill (@jdmill) and remind anyone who is still thinking about this to...
The gnomes would make a joke mocking CMU, but they A) don't have animosity for CMU and B) CMU has some pretty snazzy school colors.
When/Where
Date: 12/28/15
Kickoff Time: 4:00 PM CST
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Watch/Listen
TV: ESPN2
Streaming Video: Watch ESPN
Radio: KFAN (100.3 in the Twin Cities) and the Gopher Radio Network (Radio Affiliates).
Streaming Audio: Locate KFAN on IHeartRadio.com (or the IHeartRadio app for your mobile device)
Satellite Radio: SiriusXM 195; Sirius 145; XM195
Odds
Spread: Minnesota by 4.5 to 5.5, depending on the site.
Over/Under: 48 to 49.
Bill C's S&P+ Pick
Game | Spread (Home) |
Proj. Winner | Proj. Margin | Win Prob. | Pick (Spread) |
CMU vs. Minnesota | -6 |
Minnesota (31.1-21.6) | 9.5 |
70.9% | Minnesota |
Minnesota hasn't seen S&P+ predictive numbers like this much during the 2015 season. I'm feeling good about that.
Weather Forecast
DOME. So, ya know, uninteresting with the feeling of being experienced in not enough light somehow.
The Enemy
Where Are They From? Mount Pleasant, MI
All Time Series: Minnesota leads the series 1-0. The only time they played prior to today? 1987.
2015 To Date: 7-5 (6-2 MAC)
Head Coach: John Bonamego, 1st season. Coach Bonamego was diagnosed with cancer in his left tonsil and thyroid prior to his first season at CMU. Following treatment, he announced in late November that he was cancer free, which is excellent news! We wish Coach Bonamego all the best, with the noted exception of the game that is being played today.
Keys to the Game
- Run the dang ball: Central Michigan is 120th in Rushing S&P+. Minnesota needs to gash them up as much as possible. Why? Because of key number 2.
- Efficient passing: This feels like a game where good Mitch could make a big appearance. If he does, then key #1 either already happened or is about to happen (when CMU abandons the stacked box due to the aforementioned good Mitch).
- Go out with a bang: Big plays. We require big plays for sustenance.
How Afraid Am I?
For those who don't know, this is a bit where I rank my fear by saying how many Tim Brewsters I am afraid of the opponent. The more Tim Brewsters I list, the more afraid I am...because the memory of Timmy Brew is scary for all Gophers fans. Typically this is done on a scale of 1 to 5 "Brewsters on his face" in the Metrodome, though I mix it up as needed.
I'm a mere 1 Timmy B afraid, which means I'm not afraid.
Completely Worthless Prediction
Minnesota walks.
Minnesota 31 - CMU 14