Minnesota Football at Maryland: Preview, How To Watch, And Prediction

Opening Thoughts

I was really hoping to avoid this day. For all of its faults, it was nice of the Big Ten to allow us to avoid caring about Maryland for this long. Because I can’t. Even today, with the Gophers playing them, I can’t. Don’t get me wrong, I very much want Minnesota to win. But I don’t feel one way or the other about Maryland as they prepare to go about it. Then again, it’s a chance to even the 0-1 deficit in the Minnesota/Maryland all time record so...........

Nope. Still don’t care.

I don’t know what to think about today’s matchup. Minnesota didn’t look good last week and we’re playing an essentially untested backup QB on the road. Then again, Maryland is an extremely unimposing place for opponents to play and while they’re 4-1 they really haven’t played anyone (or especially, beaten) anyone that good either. Just like Minnesota.

At this point, I mostly just want a win.

Gnome #TAKES

I asked if the gnomes had Maryland thoughts. They gave me this.

Yep, about what I expected.

When/Where

Date: Saturday, October 15th

Kickoff Time: 11am CT

Where: Capitol One Field, College Park, MD

WATCH/LISTEN

TV: ESPNU

Streaming Video: WatchESPN (or the WatchESPN app for your mobile device)

Radio: KFAN (100.3 in the Twin Cities) and the Gopher Radio Network (Radio Affiliates).

Streaming Audio: Locate KFAN on IHeartRadio (or the IHeartRadio app for your mobile device)

Satellite Radio: SiriusXM 203; Sirius 113; XM 203

Keys To The Game

- Stay on schedule. On offense, the last thing you want to do to your new QB is to leave him with 3rd and long situations. Minnesota needs to execute on standard downs, which means the offensive line needs to overcome the loss of Jonah Pirsig and Jay Johnson needs to call a good game.

- Pressure the QB. Until Minnesota’s problems with this key change it’s going to stay here.

- Run the damn ball. Seriously, looking at you Jay Johnson. Maryland is ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTEENTH in Rushing S&P+. Perhaps exploiting that would be good, hmmmm?

How Afraid Am I?

On a scale of 1 to 5 "Brewsters on his face" (1 being not a afraid, 5 being very afraid)?

I am three limited Brewster Edition bottles of Old Bay afraid of Maryland. Old Bay, Maryland’s answer to everything©.

Completely Worthless Prediction

Honestly y’all, I have no idea. I don’t want to lose so I won’t predict one. Neither team is great so lets go with a low total score.

Minnesota 17- Maryland 14