ESPN: B1G roundtable: Best nonconference foe (Non-Power 5)? (Colorado St v MN)

[BleedGopher]

per ESPN:

Which of the non-Power 5 foes to match against the Big Ten this season poses the most danger? To keep the discussion lively, we’ll eliminate Brigham Young as a candidate. The Cougars, an early favorite of the bettors, visit Nebraska and Michigan in September and clearly present problems with the return from injury of Heisman-contending quarterback Taysom Hill.

The floor is open.

Brian Bennett: Colorado State (vs. Minnesota, Week 2)

There are several salty Group of 5 teams on the Big Ten nonconference schedule this season. I really like, for example, Northern Illinois, Western Michigan and Air Force. But I don't like their matchups, as picking any of those teams for an upset means you think they will topple Ohio State and/or Michigan State. No thanks.

That's why I'm going with Colorado State. These Rams are almost certain to experience a drop-off from last year's 10-win campaign after changing coaches from Jim McElwain to Mike Bobo and losing star quarterback Garrett Grayson and leading rusher Dee Hart. But they still have one of the best receivers in the country in Rashard Higgins, and Colorado State has consistently been one of the best non-Power 5 programs going.

Plus, you've got to like the timing of this opportunity. Minnesota visits the elevated air of Fort Collins a little more than a week after the Gophers play their high-profile opener against TCU. That screams trap game for Jerry Kill's team. Then again, the Rams should be considered more than just a beneficiary of fortuitous timing. They're good, and dangerous.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/120784/b1g-roundtable-best-nonconference-foe-other-than-byu

Go Gophers!!

 

[kisarazu]

per ESPN:

...
Plus, you've got to like the timing of this opportunity. Minnesota visits the elevated air of Fort Collins a little more than a week after the Gophers play their high-profile opener against TCU. That screams trap game for Jerry Kill's team. Then again, the Rams should be considered more than just a beneficiary of fortuitous timing. They're good, and dangerous.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/120784/b1g-roundtable-best-nonconference-foe-other-than-byu

Go Gophers!!

If we're going to talk about first week opponents, let's talk about CSU. (I know I said this before, ha but) Colorado State's first game is against one of the worst DI football program that has ever existed. Savannah State struggles just to get ONE victory every year, and those miracle wins are toss-ups against DII opponents. CSU vs Savannah St is a glorified practice against a terrible practice squad. It's a game where Savanah's athletic program gets money, and CSU is looking for no injuries. No disrespect intended to the Rams, but I'm not sure how this game helps them for their next week.

 

[RodentRampage]

I think it will be a plus that the Gophers will be tested and CSU will not be. CSU is going to blow away Savannah State, but they really won't learn a thing about their team, what their real strengths and weaknesses are. The Gophers aren't going to be looking past them to Kent State.

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[Ole]

I think it will be a plus that the Gophers will be tested and CSU will not be. CSU is going to blow away Savannah State, but they really won't learn a thing about their team, what their real strengths and weaknesses are. The Gophers aren't going to be looking past them to Kent State.

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All due respect to CSU(seriously), it's a good matchup for us.
A few things:
-Their QB last year who is now gone rallied them to wins late in several big games last year. That type of performance isn't likely from a first year starter in his first BCS game.
-They were awful against the run last year, and not great overall on defense. They gave up 360 yards on the ground against Utah in their bowl game, and were beat by Boise and Air force in the regular season behind strong rushing performances.
-They will have a fantastic receiver in Higgins, but we also have a fantastic secondary. I stopped doubting Murray and BBC after last season, they'll be ready.
-If we win against TCU there's always a chance for a letdown, but a loss in the opener combined with a road trip will focus the team and prevent overlooking CSU.

 

[die hard gopher]

All due respect to CSU(seriously), it's a good matchup for us.
A few things:
-Their QB last year who is now gone rallied them to wins late in several big games last year. That type of performance isn't likely from a first year starter in his first BCS game.
-They were awful against the run last year, and not great overall on defense. They gave up 360 yards on the ground against Utah in their bowl game, and were beat by Boise and Air force in the regular season behind strong rushing performances.
-They will have a fantastic receiver in Higgins, but we also have a fantastic secondary. I stopped doubting Murray and BBC after last season, they'll be ready.
-If we win against TCU there's always a chance for a letdown, but a loss in the opener combined with a road trip will focus the team and prevent overlooking CSU.

And they lose a 1,000 yard rusher who was a former 5 star and their HC to Florida. It will be a lot like the San Jose game two years ago when they lost their HC and 1,00 yard rusher(Deleon Escridge) after coming off an 11-2 season. They still had stud QB David Fales though and it still wasn't close as they just couldn't stop the run. Should be similar this game minus a stud QB.

I will say Higgins if much better than anybody in our secondary though.

 

[GopherHomer]

I really don't think it can be considered a trap game considering, in all likelihood, we lose in week 1. After, most likely, being 0-1 CSU will get a motivated Gopher team that doesn't want to start the season 0-2.