FSN: Analysis: Breaking down the Gophers' final six regular-season games

BleedGopher

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per FSN:

vs. Wisconsin, Nov. 23

Along with Iowa, the Badgers are one of the Gophers' most hated rivals. In fact, Minnesota and Wisconsin have the longest-running series of all FBS teams, dating back 122 games to 1890. The winner of this annual rivalry is awarded Paul Bunyan's Axe, a prize the Gophers haven't won since 2003. The Badgers have won the last nine matchups, but Minnesota is hoping to have the Axe back in its possession.

WHY THE GOPHERS COULD WIN: Wisconsin's passing offense is very reliant upon one player, and that's senior wide receiver Jared Abbrederis. Outside of Abbrederis (who averages 114.4 receiving yards per game), the Badgers don't have another reliable wideout for quarterback Joel Stave. Jordan Frederick is second among Wisconsin wide receivers in catches -- with six. If Minnesota's secondary can shut down Abbrederis, that would make Wisconsin's offense very one-dimensional. This is the Gophers' final home game of the year, which always adds an emotional factor. Minnesota has won three of its last four home finales and may need this victory to boost its chances at a bowl game.

WHY THE GOPHERS MIGHT LOSE: No other team in the Big Ten can run the ball like the Badgers. In fact, only five other teams in the nation have gained more rushing yards per game than Wisconsin (300.6). The Badgers are led by a two-headed running back tandem of Melvin Gordon and James White, who collectively have already rushed for over 1,100 yards in five games. If Minnesota can't slow that duo down, the Badgers will run all over the Gophers' defense -- just like they did last year when Wisconsin ran for 337 yards in a 38-13 victory. On top of a solid running game, Wisconsin's defense has been stout so far in 2013, allowing just 14.6 points and 272.6 yards of offense per game.

http://www.foxsportsnorth.com/colle...-the-Gophers-final?blockID=949263&feedID=3793

Go Gophers!!
 

The question really is, where, in those 6 games, can we find that first win? Has to be either Indiana or PSU. But, I will reserve my judgement for how the team looks after the Northwestern game.
 




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