Quick Lane Bowl Preview: Minnesota Football, Central Michigan, all in glorious Detroit!

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