Minnesota Vs. Nebraska 2021 - Media Predictions Thread

[IceBoxGopher]

Let's get this week underway.

OddShark is predicting a 31-26 Nebraska victory.
Nebraska will win, cover the spread, and the total will go over.

Picks and Parlays is picking the Huskers to win 27-21
The Golden Gophers are playing good at times this year, but have been inconsistent... Look for the Cornhuskers to play better in the game here with a stronger offensive game and the ability to give really good teams a run for their money. Look for the Cornhuskers to use their balanced attack to secure the win in the game here. Final Score Prediction, Nebraska Cornhuskers win and cover ATS 27-21.

 

[Urbandale]

First stop, Dinkville. Exit to your right.

 

[UpAndUnder43]

OddShark and Picks and Parlays are Dink Central and Dink West. Everyone knows this.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

College Football News has the Huskers winning 23-17.
YOU try to guess which Minnesota team shows up.

Is it the one that fought through its worst day of the season running the ball to beat Purdue, or is it the one that didn’t get off the bus in a stunning loss to Bowling Green, or is it the one that totally stoned Colorado on the road?

The Gopher defensive stats are great, but it also helps that there weren’t any teams on the slate after Ohio State that could run the ball.

There won’t be anything spectacular about it, but Nebraska will come up with a very good, very measured, and very business-like performance.

It will get two big pass plays to open things up a bit, the run defense will be just fine, and the season that desperately needs a win at this point to keep bowl hopes alive will march on.

Nebraska will have the chance in a close game, and finally, it will win.

Bleacher Report is predicting a 24-21 Minnesota victory

 

[nitramnaed]

ESPN FPI Nebraska given a 59.8% chance of winning

 

[IceBoxGopher]

Whiners and Whiners has Minnesota winning the game.
We’re looking at a couple of stiff defenses in this contest so offense could come at a premium. Nebraska has scored 223 points in seven games but 108 of those came in wins over Fordham and Northwestern. The Cornhuskers have totaled 87 points in their four losses, though all have come by eight points or less.

With that said, Nebraska has to contend with a Minnesota defense that has forced nine turnovers in five games. The Golden Gophers hold the opposition to 77 yards a game and 2.8 yards per carry on the ground. That’s Nebraska’s bread and butter offensively: Martinez isn’t as effective if the run game is sputtering. This is going to be a close game: with home field advantage, take the points and the Golden Gophers in this contest.

Prediction: Minnesota Golden Gophers +3.5

 

[IceBoxGopher]

At Athlon Sports, writers Steven Lassan, Mark Ross and Ben Weinrib are all picking Nebraska to win.

 

[BoatRacer]

I think it is going to be blowout either way. We win big or lose big. It wont be close game. Hope Gopher make these cornsuckers miserable.

 

[Some guy]

I think it is going to be blowout either way. We win big or lose big. It wont be close game. Hope Gopher make these cornsuckers miserable.

Disagree. Maybe it’ll feel like a blowout, but neither offense is good enough and neither defense is bad enough for a blowout to happen. I could see it being a 2 score game either way. But it isn’t going to be like 2017-2019 games IMO

 

[Tucker32]

Disagree. Maybe it’ll feel like a blowout, but neither offense is good enough and neither defense is bad enough for a blowout to happen. I could see it being a 2 score game either way. But it isn’t going to be like 2017-2019 games IMO

The Gophers defense has played four bad offenses, and one good one. They didn’t look great against Miami and looked bad against Ohio State. Bowling Green and Colorado offenses are awful, and Purdue is not very good at all yet moved the ball consistently. The Gophers at least didn’t let them score and did what they had to against bad BG and CO. Will be interesting to see what they do against Nebraska which is a step up from the previous four weeks. Not sure what kind of defense the Gophers really have as they have played really bad offenses since game one.

 

[Some guy]

The Gophers defense has played four bad offenses, and one good one. They didn’t look great against Miami and looked bad against Ohio State. Bowling Green and Colorado offenses are awful, and Purdue is not very good at all yet moved the ball consistently. The Gophers at least didn’t let them score and did what they had to against bad BG and CO. Will be interesting to see what they do against Nebraska which is a step up from the previous four weeks. Not sure what kind of defense the Gophers really have as they have played really bad offenses since game one.

Minnesota is playing another bad offense on Saturday

 

[Tucker32]

Minnesota is playing another bad offense on Saturday

Yes, and hard to know where either of these teams fall on the bad/good continuum.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

Minnesota is playing another bad offense on Saturday

Nebraska's offense is rated #13 in the FBS, out of 130 teams, under the NCAA's total offense measure. The Gophers' offense is rated #110. For further reference, Ohio State's offense is rated #1, Purdue's is #57, Miami (OH) is #85, Bowling Green is #123 and Colorado is #129. I think we have a good chance to beat Nebraska if our defense continues to play well and our passing game comes back to life, but you are kidding yourself if you think Nebraska has a bad offense.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

So, for reference, here is how B1G teams are ranked, out of 130 FBS teams, by the NCAA on total offense (key measure = yards per game). The numbers after the teams are: (1) average yards per game; (2) average yards per play; and (3) total offensive TDs. Note: as to total offensive TDs, Minnesota has played 5 games, Nebraska 7.

1. Ohio State: 563.2; 8.53; 34
13. Nebraska: 499; 6.77; 30
15. Mich. State: 486.8; 7.04; 27
32. Maryland: 447.2; 6.25; 22
41. Michigan: 440.5; 6.51; 28
57. Purdue: 414.8; 5.40; 13
70. Penn State: 396.7; 5.72; 20
79. Wisconsin: 380.4; 5.09; 11
88. Northwestern: 369.2; 5.26; 14
100. Rutgers: 354.7; 4.86; 18
108. Indiana: 343.6; 4.76; 12
110. Minnesota: 334.2; 5.27; 15
119. Illinois: 318.4; 4.71; 13
120. Iowa: 317.5; 4.65; 19

Lots of interesting conclusions to draw from these stats, e.g., that if you don't turn the ball over 5 times and don’t give the Iowa offense a bunch of short fields, you can beat Iowa! The one conclusion I can't draw is that Nebraska has a crappy offense. It might have a mistake-prone offense, but it still can do a lot of damage.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

Athlon Sports has a full prediction with Nebraska winning 34-20
The Golden Gophers' running game suffered a devastating blow this week with the news of a season-ending injury to running back Trey Potts. Potts was the Big Ten's second-leading rusher on a per-game basis (110.4 ypg). It is the second time this season that Minnesota has lost a key running back, with star Mohamed Ibrahim going down earlier this season. For a team that ranks 12th in the Big Ten in total offense, it is beginning to be a battle of attrition for the Gophers.

Nebraska's defense has been doing a good job of keeping opponents off the scoreboard. Nebraska is giving up 17.9 points per game despite already playing Oklahoma, Michigan, and Michigan State.

Nebraska is due to start getting some breaks to fall its way, and Minnesota is quickly becoming a team that may have to limp across the finish line this season. So expect the Cornhuskers to finally have reason to celebrate after as many close calls they have experienced lately. And to add a bit of relief, Nebraska won't have to sweat this one out.

 

[MNVCGUY]

So, for reference, here is how B1G teams are ranked, out of 130 FBS teams, by the NCAA on total offense (key measure = yards per game). The numbers after the teams are: (1) average yards per game; (2) average yards per play; and (3) total offensive TDs. Note: as to total offensive TDs, Minnesota has played 5 games, Nebraska 7.

1. Ohio State: 563.2; 8.53; 34
13. Nebraska: 499; 6.77; 30
15. Mich. State: 486.8; 7.04; 27
32. Maryland: 447.2; 6.25; 22
41. Michigan: 440.5; 6.51; 28
57. Purdue: 414.8; 5.40; 13
70. Penn State: 396.7; 5.72; 20
79. Wisconsin: 380.4; 5.09; 11
88. Northwestern: 369.2; 5.26; 14
100. Rutgers: 354.7; 4.86; 18
108. Indiana: 343.6; 4.76; 12
110. Minnesota: 334.2; 5.27; 15
119. Illinois: 318.4; 4.71; 13
120. Iowa: 317.5; 4.65; 19

Lots of interesting conclusions to draw from these stats, e.g., that if you don't turn the ball over 5 times and give the Iowa offense a bunch of short fields, you can beat Iowa! The one conclusion I can't draw is that Nebraska has a crappy offense. It might have a mistake-prone offense, but it still can do a lot of damage.

I don't really know where the bad offense narrative is coming from but their offense hasn't been super impressive against teams not named Fordham and Northwestern. In those two games alone they scored 108 points and in the other 5 combined they scored 115 points.

They have some playmakers and can be explosive, but to this point, decent defenses have done a pretty good job keeping them in check.

 

[Unregistered User]

Nebraska's defense has been doing a good job of keeping opponents off the scoreboard. Nebraska is giving up 17.9 points per game despite already playing Oklahoma, Michigan, and Michigan State.

17.9 overall, but giving up 27 ppg in losses.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

These teams both have been inconsistent. Each has firepower, though some of ours (passing) is more latent. Each has a defense that has flashed good. Very hard to pick the obvious, should-be winner. Which should make for a good game. I will venture one guess: if we continue to under-utilize our WRs and TEs, and throw the burden of our offense on a couple of freshman RBs, we will lose.

 

[Some guy]

Nebraska's offense is rated #13 in the FBS, out of 130 teams, under the NCAA's total offense measure. The Gophers' offense is rated #110. For further reference, Ohio State's offense is rated #1, Purdue's is #57, Miami (OH) is #85, Bowling Green is #123 and Colorado is #129. I think we have a good chance to beat Nebraska if our defense continues to play well and our passing game comes back to life, but you are kidding yourself if you think Nebraska has a bad offense.

I’m not comparing them to Minnesota’s offense. Yes they are better than Minnesota’s.


they are 13th in yards per game.
48th in points per game
They’ve managed to turn the ball over in critical moments multiple weeks.

I shouldn’t say they’re bad. They certainly aren’t good. They are better than the incompetent teams. Of the competent teams they are below average.


here is the stat that makes me say they’re bad (even though I know they’re just below average).

98th in Redzone scoring %

 

[Some guy]

I don't really know where the bad offense narrative is coming from but their offense hasn't been super impressive against teams not named Fordham and Northwestern. In those two games alone they scored 108 points and in the other 5 combined they scored 115 points.

They have some playmakers and can be explosive, but to this point, decent defenses have done a pretty good job keeping them in check.

98th in redzone scoring %
critical turnovers

that’s where the narrative “bad” is coming from.


when I say bad I mean they’re below average

 

[Gophergrandpa]

98th in redzone scoring %
critical turnovers

that’s where the narrative “bad” is coming from.


when I say bad I mean they’re below average

I’ll buy that. They move the ball well but choke a lot at key junctures.

 

[Some guy]

I’ll buy that. They move the ball well but choke a lot at key junctures.

Agree

they do have high potential if they could figure it out though

 

[IceBoxGopher]

Blake Ruane of The Daily Gopher (SB Nation) is predicting a 23-16 Nebraska victory.
To be honest with you, I don’t have a ton of confidence in Minnesota at the moment. The Gophers’ struggles in the passing game so far this season have been well documented, and the loss of Trey Potts means that Minnesota’s run-first, run-second, and pass-third offense is going to be asking a lot of true freshman Mar’Keise “Bucky” Irving. Both defenses are good, but I think it’s obvious that Nebraska’s offense presents more of a challenge than their counterpart on the opposite sideline. I’m sorry, but I think the Broken Chair returns to Lincoln.

 

[STPGopher]

Yes, and hard to know where either of these teams fall on the bad/good continuum.

I'd say Nebraska's offense is streak like. Big plays or not bust, but...In other words, I don't know if they are the kind of team that is strong at long sustained drives.

 

[short ornery norwegian]

No way the Gophers win a shootout.

The catch-22 for the Gophers - to keep it close and keep Nebraska's offense off the field, the Gopher offense needs to control the ball and win time of possession - BUT they have to do that with - at best - their #3 (or lower) RB carrying the ball.

so, unless one of the young RB's goes nuts and runs for 100+, I think the passing game has to be a major factor. Gophers don't have to throw it 25 yards down the field - just hit some 8-10 yd routes to keep the sticks moving and keep the defense honest.

in other words, the Gophers' best chance of winning hinges on Fleck and Sanford changing their game plan.

Sorry, I don't see that happening. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe the Gophers come out with an entirely different offensive approach. But I won't believe it until I see it.

 

[Unregistered User]

First stop, Dinkville. Exit to your right.

Please dink responsibly.

 

[noamfromm]

Disagree. Maybe it’ll feel like a blowout, but neither offense is good enough and neither defense is bad enough for a blowout to happen. I could see it being a 2 score game either way. But it isn’t going to be like 2017-2019 games IMO

2015 games was especially rough. In addition to the rout on the field I was sitting in a box with all husker fans, when they announced the national championship dance team one of the women turns to her friend and says "at least they have something here"

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

Let's get this week underway.

OddShark is predicting a 31-26 Nebraska victory. Dink
Nebraska will win, cover the spread, and the total will go over.

Picks and Parlays is picking the Huskers to win 27-21 Dink
The Golden Gophers are playing good at times this year, but have been inconsistent... Look for the Cornhuskers to play better in the game here with a stronger offensive game and the ability to give really good teams a run for their money. Look for the Cornhuskers to use their balanced attack to secure the win in the game here. Final Score Prediction, Nebraska Cornhuskers win and cover ATS 27-21

College Football News has the Huskers winning 23-17. Dink
YOU try to guess which Minnesota team shows up.

Is it the one that fought through its worst day of the season running the ball to beat Purdue, or is it the one that didn’t get off the bus in a stunning loss to Bowling Green, or is it the one that totally stoned Colorado on the road?

The Gopher defensive stats are great, but it also helps that there weren’t any teams on the slate after Ohio State that could run the ball.

There won’t be anything spectacular about it, but Nebraska will come up with a very good, very measured, and very business-like performance.

It will get two big pass plays to open things up a bit, the run defense will be just fine, and the season that desperately needs a win at this point to keep bowl hopes alive will march on.

Nebraska will have the chance in a close game, and finally, it will win.

Bleacher Report is predicting a 24-21 Minnesota victory Not dink

ESPN FPI Nebraska given a 59.8% chance of winning Dink

Whiners and Whiners has Minnesota winning the game.
We’re looking at a couple of stiff defenses in this contest so offense could come at a premium. Nebraska has scored 223 points in seven games but 108 of those came in wins over Fordham and Northwestern. The Cornhuskers have totaled 87 points in their four losses, though all have come by eight points or less.

With that said, Nebraska has to contend with a Minnesota defense that has forced nine turnovers in five games. The Golden Gophers hold the opposition to 77 yards a game and 2.8 yards per carry on the ground. That’s Nebraska’s bread and butter offensively: Martinez isn’t as effective if the run game is sputtering. This is going to be a close game: with home field advantage, take the points and the Golden Gophers in this contest.

Prediction: Minnesota Golden Gophers +3.5 Not dink

At Athlon Sports, writers Steven Lassan, Mark Ross and Ben Weinrib are all picking Nebraska to win. Dink! Dink! Dink!

Blake Ruane of The Daily Gopher (SB Nation) is predicting a 23-16 Nebraska victory.
To be honest with you, I don’t have a ton of confidence in Minnesota at the moment. The Gophers’ struggles in the passing game so far this season have been well documented, and the loss of Trey Potts means that Minnesota’s run-first, run-second, and pass-third offense is going to be asking a lot of true freshman Mar’Keise “Bucky” Irving. Both defenses are good, but I think it’s obvious that Nebraska’s offense presents more of a challenge than their counterpart on the opposite sideline. I’m sorry, but I think the Broken Chair returns to Lincoln.

Dinks shouldn't be allowed to write for the DG! Just sayin'!!

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

Athlon Sports has a full prediction with Nebraska winning 34-20
The Golden Gophers' running game suffered a devastating blow this week with the news of a season-ending injury to running back Trey Potts. Potts was the Big Ten's second-leading rusher on a per-game basis (110.4 ypg). It is the second time this season that Minnesota has lost a key running back, with star Mohamed Ibrahim going down earlier this season. For a team that ranks 12th in the Big Ten in total offense, it is beginning to be a battle of attrition for the Gophers.

Nebraska's defense has been doing a good job of keeping opponents off the scoreboard. Nebraska is giving up 17.9 points per game despite already playing Oklahoma, Michigan, and Michigan State.

Nebraska is due to start getting some breaks to fall its way, and Minnesota is quickly becoming a team that may have to limp across the finish line this season. So expect the Cornhuskers to finally have reason to celebrate after as many close calls they have experienced lately. And to add a bit of relief, Nebraska won't have to sweat this one out.

And yet another Dink!

 

[UpAndUnder43]

Nebraska's offense is rated #13 in the FBS, out of 130 teams, under the NCAA's total offense measure. The Gophers' offense is rated #110. For further reference, Ohio State's offense is rated #1, Purdue's is #57, Miami (OH) is #85, Bowling Green is #123 and Colorado is #129. I think we have a good chance to beat Nebraska if our defense continues to play well and our passing game comes back to life, but you are kidding yourself if you think Nebraska has a bad offense.

But against not shit teams Nebraska offense has struggled. I’ve broken it down in here this week on threads you started.