IceBoxGopher
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It's bounce back week.
The Detroit Free Press picks Michigan State, 21-18
How about that Iowa walloped Minnesota, 41-3, on Saturday, intercepting Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey three times and limiting the team to 133 total yards. MSU's defense is not Iowa's defense, but facing the Gophers should feel like a relief for MSU after taking on back-to-back ranked opponents.
The vibes around the MSU program may be rancid, but the effort doesn't seem to be lacking from the players. The Spartans find a way to sneak a win on the road and end the five-game misery, even if the game stays close the whole way.
Gophers on SI is predicting a 31-10 Minnesota win
The Gophers have routinely bounced back under P.J. Fleck following a loss like we saw against the Hawkeyes. Smith and the Spartans look like a team that could be checked out, and this is a game Minnesota needs to find a way to win.
I have not seen anything from Michigan State that would make me believe they can go on the road and win a Big Ten game against Minnesota. The Gophers have at least shown proof of concept with a recent win over No. 25 Nebraska, so I am expecting an improved effort and a comfortable win on Saturday afternoon.
Picks and Parlays sides with Minnesota, 24-17
The key battle will come at the line of scrimmage. Michigan State’s offensive line has allowed too much pressure lately, and that could spell trouble against a Minnesota defense led by Anthony Smith, who has seven sacks. The Spartans have struggled to establish rhythm early, and if Lindsey settles in, the Gophers’ offense should control time of possession and wear down Michigan State’s front seven.
Minnesota’s more complete roster and home-field advantage give it the edge here. Michigan State’s recent performances suggest another tough afternoon on the road. Expect the Gophers to dictate tempo behind a strong defensive showing and a balanced offensive plan.
The Detroit Free Press picks Michigan State, 21-18
How about that Iowa walloped Minnesota, 41-3, on Saturday, intercepting Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey three times and limiting the team to 133 total yards. MSU's defense is not Iowa's defense, but facing the Gophers should feel like a relief for MSU after taking on back-to-back ranked opponents.
The vibes around the MSU program may be rancid, but the effort doesn't seem to be lacking from the players. The Spartans find a way to sneak a win on the road and end the five-game misery, even if the game stays close the whole way.
Gophers on SI is predicting a 31-10 Minnesota win
The Gophers have routinely bounced back under P.J. Fleck following a loss like we saw against the Hawkeyes. Smith and the Spartans look like a team that could be checked out, and this is a game Minnesota needs to find a way to win.
I have not seen anything from Michigan State that would make me believe they can go on the road and win a Big Ten game against Minnesota. The Gophers have at least shown proof of concept with a recent win over No. 25 Nebraska, so I am expecting an improved effort and a comfortable win on Saturday afternoon.
Picks and Parlays sides with Minnesota, 24-17
The key battle will come at the line of scrimmage. Michigan State’s offensive line has allowed too much pressure lately, and that could spell trouble against a Minnesota defense led by Anthony Smith, who has seven sacks. The Spartans have struggled to establish rhythm early, and if Lindsey settles in, the Gophers’ offense should control time of possession and wear down Michigan State’s front seven.
Minnesota’s more complete roster and home-field advantage give it the edge here. Michigan State’s recent performances suggest another tough afternoon on the road. Expect the Gophers to dictate tempo behind a strong defensive showing and a balanced offensive plan.