Why Northwestern will beat Minnesota
Few Worrisome Offensive Stars
Although the Gophers sit at 5-2 and are tied with Iowa atop the Big Ten West, P.J. Fleck’s squad hasn’t exactly lit up the scoreboard this year.Since superstar running back Mohamed Ibrahim was sidelined with a lower leg injury, Minnesota has scored just 25.83 points per game. While that figure is still bounds ahead of Northwestern’s subpar 19.7 points per contest, the Wildcats likely won’t have to grow anguished about one player gashing them in particular.
After a great 2019 campaign, Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan’s play has declined considerably in the last two years, as he’s posted a combined 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions in the last 14 games. Additionally, since the departure of Rashod Bateman, the Golden Gophers haven’t had many outstanding receiving options. Chris Autman-Bell leads the team with just 266 receiving yards.
All season, Northwestern has had a mightily difficult time containing electric players. Dynamos like Kenneth Walker III, Mataeo Durant, Blake Corum and Hassan Haskins have ravaged Jim O’Neil’s defense. Minnesota doesn’t boast skill position players of that caliber, though, which is a promising sight for this Wildcat defense.
Big-Time Receivers Tricking the Gophers
The elephant in the room regarding this game is the health of Stephon Robinson Jr., NU’s top-flight receiver who left last week’s contest in Ann Arbor with a lower leg injury. If Robinson can’t suit up against Minnesota, Northwestern’s offense will yet again be down its two top options in Robinson and Bryce Kirtz, leaving Malik Washington with WR1 duties.However, if Robinson is healthy enough to play, he could very well reach the century mark yet again.
Minnesota defensive coordinator Joe Rossi’s unit has not performed admirably against opponents’ premier wideouts. Ohio State’s Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson combined for 197 yards and three touchdowns in early September in Minneapolis, and Purdue’s David Bell accumulated 120 yards on six catches against UMN. Robinson has cemented himself in the same echelon as the three receivers mentioned above, so if he’s good to go, he should have a field day and catalyze Northwestern’s offense.
Home Cooking
I mentioned it in the introduction, but Northwestern has simply fared much better in Evanston this year.Granted, the ‘Cats have only played two Power 5 squads in Ryan Field, earning a 1-1 record. At home, though, Northwestern has a tremendous +44 point differential. Contrast that with NU’s -82 point differential on the road, and it’s clear that Pat Fitzgerald’s team has been lifted by the home crowd.
With yet another packed student section, possibly chock full of students in costumes, no less , Northwestern is poised to proliferate its home magic.

Why Northwestern will/won’t beat Minnesota
After a reprieve due to COVID-19 concerns, these two Big Ten West rivals are ready to square off on a spooky Saturday.
