Minnesota Vs. Virginia Tech - Duke's Mayo Bowl - Media Predictions

[IceBoxGopher]

Sports Chat Place has Minnesota coming away with the victory
Minnesota is going to have little issues getting the job done in this game. Virginia Tech has so many opts out, and they are going to really struggle here. This Gophers defense is often overlooked, but they are going to step up in a big way again here. The Gophers are going to get a strong game from Brosmer, and that will be enough for Minnesota to get the job done.

The Daily Gopher (SB Nation) has Minnesota winning 23-6
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl will be a battle of attrition, with both teams dealing with multiple starters not participating, either due to opting out or entering the transfer portal. Between the two teams, the Gophers seem to have fared a bit better. I like their chances of picking apart a depleted Virginia Tech defense with Brosmer under center and Taylor lined up next to him. But make no mistake, this will be an ugly game.

Picks and Parlays is going with Minnesota, 27-13
Minnesota will have a huge advantage in this matchup as Virginia Tech will be playing without its top quarterback Kyron Drones. Minnesota has covered the number in seven of its last eight and will score enough points against the Virginia Tech defense to win and cover against a Virginia Tech offense that will be led by a freshman quarterback, who had only 400 yards passing during the regular season.

Pick Dawgz is picking Minnesota in the game
Minnesota comes into this matchup with some momentum after beating Wisconsin and nearly upsetting Penn State, while Virginia Tech is dealing with injuries and opt outs. The Hokies are most likely going to be without a lot of production in this game and I think they are going to struggle to move the ball. Minnesota’s defense has been pretty solid this year, while Brosmer and Taylor have carried the offense. If Virginia Tech was healthy and had their starters, I think they would struggle to win this game, so I love Minnesota in this spot.

College Football Network is predicting a 28-10 Minnesota victory
The Golden Gophers, led by senior QB Max Brosmer, have been quietly effective down the stretch. Brosmer’s efficiency — 66.8% completion rate, 2,617 yards, and an 11:1 TD-to-INT ratio over his last seven games — has kept Minnesota’s offense humming while running back Darius Taylor continues to pile up yards on the ground (185-873-9 rushing line). With a stout defense and a rather intact roster, Minnesota looks poised to row its way to another bowl victory.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

PickWise predicts a Minnesota victory
As we wind down to the end of the bowl season, we come to the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, NC. This game features the Minnesota Golden Gophers vs the Virginia Tech Hokies. Minnesota finished in the middle of the pack in the B1G, but they played well this season. They lost close games to Penn State and Michigan, but their signature win was on the road against then-#17 Illinois.

For Virginia Tech, it was a season of “what might have been”. After opening the season with a loss at Vanderbilt (remember, we didn’t know Vandy was good yet), they got hosed by the ACC brass on that Hail Mary loss at Miami, and then closed the season battling injuries as they took losses to Syracuse, Clemson, and Duke. Minnesota currently sits as 9-point favorites, and my Minnesota vs Virginia Tech pick is for the Gophers to cover -9.

This game probably comes down to opt-outs and injuries. Minnesota has a few guys missing, but the Hokies are walking into Charlotte with a B team, for the most part. More than a dozen starters will miss this game, whether due to injury, opting out, or hitting the portal. That starts at the top with quarterback Kyron Drones.

Although his status isn’t certain, everything that came out in December pointed to him missing the game. The Gophers, on the other hand, are missing a couple guys in the trenches, but should be intact otherwise. The Hokies will be outmanned in this one, and Minnesota’s balanced attack that controls the line of scrimmage should win out.

Books are expecting a low-scoring game, but that’s probably because it should be lopsided. Give me the Golden Gophers to cover and take the mayonnaise bath.

Land Grant Holy (Ohio State SB Nation) has Minnesota winning 31-14
How great would it be to see mayo dumped on P.J. Fleck’s head? I want Minnesota to win just to see how Fleck would try and weasel his way out of it(?). If the Golden Gophers win, they should just sneak attack him with the mayo bucket since Fleck is always so put together with what he wears on the sidelines.

At least to Fleck’s credit, it doesn’t sound like Minnesota has many opt-outs for this game, aside from offensive lineman Phillip Daniels, who is coming to Ohio State.

The same can’t be said for Virginia Tech. Quarterback Kyron Drones likely won’t play due to injury, and by the time the game starts the Hokies could be down at least 10 starters. Not a good recipe against a Minnesota team that can grind down teams at full strength. Brent Pry is just treading water in Blacksburg and this game won’t change that.

Sports Grid predicts a 24-17 Minnesota win
Virginia Tech's inconsistent offense won't beat the Golden Gophers' defense. Minnesota ends the year on a high note.

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

Looks like it's going to be fairly dink free for bowl predictions.

 

[nitramnaed]

Looks like it's going to be fairly dink free for bowl predictions.

VT scores first and the Dinks will run rampant on the board.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

The Star Tribune has Minnesota winning 31-17
In a game with so many unknowns, the team that takes control early will gain a big advantage, and that should be Minnesota. Brosmer’s steadying presence and efficiency as a passer will enable the Gophers to take some chances downfield, and that will be enough to keep the Hokies at arm’s length.

My expectation: The team with fewer question marks prevails in this one as the Gophers cap Brosmer’s collegiate career with the program’s eighth bowl win in a row.

Gopher Illustrated (247 Sports) is predicting a 31-20 Minnesota victory
Until we actually know who is suiting up, this whole preview may be moot. But no one cares to read that. The line for this game also continues to trend in Minnesota's favor.

I'll say Darius Taylor gets his 100-yard rushing game, but Max Brosmer throwing for three touchdowns is the catalyst for the Golden Gophers.

 

[Gophergrandpa]

A lot of teams this year have had good bowl showings from younger players who got a chance to start because of transfers, opt-outs, etc. Same could be true for VT. The QB the Gophers will face, Pop Watson, is, I believe, a dual-threat QB who can generate offense. Actually started two games this year, so the Gophers have some film on him (not a "ghost" QB).

Our OL will take control later in the game, I suspect, but also think that with both starting Tackles out (if Ersery opts out), things might be a little dicey early, leaving the Gophers vulnerable to disruptive blitzing schemes. If our DL plays to its ability, it will be a long day for VT's offense.

Nonetheless, I wouldn't be surprised if the Hokies score first, or even if the 1st Q looks bad. That's how it often seems to work for the Gophers. But it's a long game, and the Gophers' deeper lineup should prevail. Of course, if VT isn't as prepared as I think they could be, and/or if Brosmer is on fire, this could be a very fun game from the get go. Go Gophers!

 

[IceBoxGopher]

The Pioneer Press is out with its prediction of a 31-19 Minnesota victory
Minnesota Offense Vs. Virginia Tech Defense: The Gophers’ offense might be down three starting linemen, with Tyler Cooper also projected to be out, but the Hokies are without top D-linemen Antwaun Powell-Ryland and Aeneas Peoples…. (Darius) Taylor had a career-high 208 rushing yards to win MVP of the 2023 Quick Lane Bowl and could run wild Friday. Edge - Gophers

Minnesota Defense Vs. Virginia Tech Offense: Va. Tech will be without RB Bhayshul Tuten, who ranked 23rd in the nation (1,159 ypg.) this season. He averaged 6.3 yards s carry and ran for 15 touchdowns… The Hokies are allowing 2.4 sacks per game; DE Anthony Smith and others along the D-line should be able to get home. Edge - Gophers

Prediction: The betting line has more than doubled as the scales have tipped to more Hokies than Gophers players expected to be out. And Minnesota has always come to play hard in bowl games under Fleck.

Stat Salt is picking Minnesota to win
Minnesota has one of the best passing attacks in all of football. Along with that, they've been able to stay on the field and come away with touchdowns when inside the red zone. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has had trouble staying on the field. The Hokies lean on the ground attack and if they are unable to maintain a lead, they'll be forced to use their less than ideal passing attack. Look for Minnesota to grab the lead and hold it.

Big Al’s Sports Picks is taking Minnesota to win 23-7
The current betting odds have Minnesota listed as a 9 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. Minnesota has looked good in their games this season with their 7-5 record overall and their 5-4 conference record which has them right in the middle of the Big Ten.

They ended the regular season with a 24-7 win over Wisconsin and the Big Ten has been one of the best if not the best conference in the nation this season. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech has looked good in their games this season with their 6-6 record overall which was enough to get them to this game, but their 4-4 conference record has them right in the middle of the ACC.

They weren't nearly as good in their road games either, and the ACC wasn't the strongest conference to play in this season. The ACC teams have been terrible in these bowl games so far and Virginia Tech doesn't have much of a passing game so it won't be tough for Minnesota to stop them here, especially since Minnesota does have a good defense.

Virginia Tech won't get much done on offense here and their defense has also given up a lot of points against better offenses this year. Minnesota doesn't have a great offense, but they will put up enough points to win this game comfortably while their defense does the rest.

Writers at VT Scoop (Virginia Tech 247 Sports) are all going with Minnesota
Evan Watkins has Minnesota winning 31-17: At the end of the day, the 15 extra practices for the youngsters and the bowl experience is what will pay dividends for the Hokies, not what happens on the field Friday night. Unless Minnesota has some self-inflicted wounds or the youngsters punch way above their weight, I see the Gophers winning this one comfortably.

Doug Bowman picks Minnesota, 33-13: I do think Tech can hang around for a bit here. The Minnesota offense isn't completely overwhelming in terms of firepower. But this feels like it will be a slow burn into a multi-score victory for the Gophers.

Matej Sis predicts a 31-17 Minnesota victory: Darius Taylor is up there for one of the best running backs the defense will play this season and despite Minnesota having a relatively average offense, they'll have plenty of opportunity against a temporary DC and various missing starters.

Kolby Crawford sees Minnesota winning 31-20: With the departures to the draft and through the transfer portal, there's simply just too much inexperience for the Hokies to inspire confidence in their ability to get a win against a formidable B10 foe. I expect them to keep it competitive and show some flashes from younger players, but in the end, the Golden Gophers will pull away.

Amber Marie goes with Minnesota 28-17: As eager as I am to see Pop against a good opponent and some of the younger guys get some reps, no Lane, Tuten, Chaplin, APR, Peebles, Jenkins, Strong and so on limits the Hokies on both sides of the ball. I think Pop does enough to find the end zone a couple times, but stopping Minnesota is going to be difficult.

Andrew Alix predicts a 35-17 Minnesota win: Virginia Tech is going into this one with a heck of a lot more uncertainty than their opponent has. If this was played on a neutral site during the regular season, I'd probably give the Hokies a slight edge. Sadly, with all the unknowns, I think it's a developmental game than anything else

Writers at Virginia Tech Hokies On SI are mixed, with 2 picking Minnesota and 3 predicting a VT win.

 

[Schnauzer]

The Fargo Flash on KFAN this morning was recounting just how short staffed and discombobulated Virginia Tech is for this game. He made it sound like so many guys are gone or out that it even extends to coaching and it will almost be like a version of college football remindful of the year the NFL decided to go with scab players during an NFL players strike. The uniforms will be the same but the players wearing them will be unrecognizable to Virginia Tech Fans.

The Fargo Flash tends to be too optimistic about the Gophers so I am taking this with a grain of salt. Plus there is a chance that a lot of top Gophers players will be opting out. But, if his description of Virginia Tech’s situation is anywhere close to reality - it should be an easy Gopher victory regardless if Lindenberg and Jackson play or not.

 

[mcrow47]

Basically nobody picking VT worries me a bit...lol

 

[Unregistered User]

Basically nobody picking VT worries me a bit...lol

Reminds me of the Rutgers predictions…and that made me nervous.

Minnesota Vs. Rutgers 2024 - Media Predictions

Next game up. Here are predictions out for Minnesota Vs. Rutgers College Football Network has Minnesota winning, 23-14 So much of life in the new Big Ten for middle-of-the-road teams is momentum. The Golden Gophers were pretty much dead in the water before getting a sinking USC Trojans team at...

gopherhole.com

 

[MNVCGUY]

The Fargo Flash on KFAN this morning was recounting just how short staffed and discombobulated Virginia Tech is for this game. He made it sound like so many guys are gone or out that it even extends to coaching and it will almost be like a version of college football remindful of the year the NFL decided to go with scab players during an NFL players strike. The uniforms will be the same but the players wearing them will be unrecognizable to Virginia Tech Fans.

The Fargo Flash tends to be too optimistic about the Gophers so I am taking this with a grain of salt. Plus there is a chance that a lot of top Gophers players will be opting out. But, if his description of Virginia Tech’s situation is anywhere close to reality - it should be an easy Gopher victory regardless if Lindenberg and Jackson play or not.

22 guys in the portal plus some opt out and injuries and they are going to be extremely short handed especially on D.

On the flip side we should be in much better shape on that front. Still have to play well but as long as we do this is definitely a game we should win.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Reminds me of the Rutgers predictions…and that made me nervous.

Minnesota Vs. Rutgers 2024 - Media Predictions

Next game up. Here are predictions out for Minnesota Vs. Rutgers College Football Network has Minnesota winning, 23-14 So much of life in the new Big Ten for middle-of-the-road teams is momentum. The Golden Gophers were pretty much dead in the water before getting a sinking USC Trojans team at...

gopherhole.com

As it is with any game we play, if we don't play well we can lose. Had we played well against Rutgers we would have beaten them.....we didn't play well and we all saw what happened.

Probably a little more margin for error with this one given the roster issues they are facing but still a power 4 opponent so we have to play well to win. Fleck seems to do a good job getting his teams ready for bowl games so hopefully we come out firing on all cylinders and don't give VT any reason to think they have a chance to pull the upset.

 

[forever a gopher]

Reminds me of the Rutgers predictions…and that made me nervous.

Minnesota Vs. Rutgers 2024 - Media Predictions

Next game up. Here are predictions out for Minnesota Vs. Rutgers College Football Network has Minnesota winning, 23-14 So much of life in the new Big Ten for middle-of-the-road teams is momentum. The Golden Gophers were pretty much dead in the water before getting a sinking USC Trojans team at...

gopherhole.com

Was thinking the same exact thing. Wouldn't mind a number of dinks picking the Turkeys to win.

 

[Wally]

Do we bet the house or the farm?

Where is Oge when you need him?

 

[IceBoxGopher]

I did look at some papers from the Virginia Tech area and other large Virginia markets and none really had predictions for homer picks. Some predictions and player profiles but no solid predictions.

It's pretty certain at this point that we're the favorites and I agree with the predictions. Though as a Minnesota fan, like always, it's a cautious optimism.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

ESPN has Minnesota edging Virginia Tech 28-24
"P.J. Fleck was born to play and coach football, brainstorm mottos and eventually douse himself in mayonnaise after winning a bowl game. Can't you see it now? Fleck's team wasn't far away from a much better season and boasts a solid formula of defense, Darius Taylor's running and quarterback Max Brosmer's efficient passing.

Virginia Tech had far greater expectations than 6-6 this season, and could be facing some damaging personnel departures before January. The Hokies are very talented with running back Bhayshul Tuten, defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland and others, but there has been something missing all season. But Minnesota will win, setting up an epic mayo dump for Fleck." - Adam Rittenberg

College Football News predicts a 30-13 Minnesota win
Again, Minnesota doesn’t lose bowls lately under PJ Fleck. It’ll rely on a strong defense and an offense that won’t take any major chances. Virginia Tech will have to pull out all the stops, but it’ll get killed in the time of possession battle.

It’ll come up with a good first quarter - and it might even have a lead - but that’ll get erased as the Gophers methodically grind through the second half to a comfortable win.

Athlon Sports has Minnesota winning 24-16
Brosmer is an experienced quarterback making his final collegiate start while Watson is making his second. Beyond the quarterback matchup, the Golden Gophers have the benefit of some roster stability while the Hokies' lineup is largely in flux. Minnesota is well positioned to extend its bowl winning streak, but don't expect a barn burner when these teams take the field in Charlotte.

The Daily Gopher (SB Nation) contributors are all picking Minnesota
GopherNation has Minnesota winning 33-18: I would have picked Minnesota during the regular season and Virginia Tech seems to have lost so much more since the end of the season. Minnesota wins this handily.

Andy York backs Minnesota, 31-20: Max Brosmer goes out slinging, Darius Taylor has a great game, and P.J. Fleck gets covered in mayo.

GoAUpher takes Minnesota: If P.J. isn’t covered in mayo at the end of this game, I will seriously consider canceling my season tickets out of spite. You have one job to do Gophers, and that’s use this meaningless exhibition to cover your coach in a condiment.

Zips of Akron predicts a 27-7 Minnesota win: My favorite streak in sports (Minnesota’s bowl streak) continues and I will appreciate a new Power 4 pelt to add to our collection.

Mowe0018 expects a 31-24 Minnesota victory: I have given P.J. much guff in this space. But one thing he and the RTB culture have mastered is the meaningless exhibition, and I say that as a compliment (and not backhanded at all). I enjoy always winning the last game of the season.

Writers at Gobbler Country (Virginia Tech SB nation) have Minnesota winning
Bryan Manning has Minnesota winning 31-20: Bud Foster is back, even if temporarily. Of course, Brent Pry said Foster would be around the program more going forward. What we should look forward to is seeing the young players.

Lots of young players will receive their first extended playing time and against a quality foe. I am excited to see Pop Watson against someone other than UVA.

We don’t know how many players are out for Minnesota, but we are almost certain the Gophers aren’t as shorthanded as the Hokies. This game is completely unknown, so I don’t know how to go. Is it competitive or a blowout?

What we don’t want to see is another Pinstripe Bowl. I believe the Hokies’ defense will keep them in this and Watson will make some plays with the Gosnell brothers and Ali Jennings around, but it won’t be enough.

John Schneider picks Minnesota, 28-17: Tech might actually pull this one off, but Pop crashing and burning would end it. My guess is that if Watson shows any sign of struggling, Schlee will be in pronto. The patched up offensive line and secondary will also be a challenge.

Will there be enough pieces of the puzzle and fill ins to push a W on the last game of the season?
I am hoping for a 31-point Tech performance which could put them in line for a win, but the offense is so inconsistent that there is just no telling.

Virginia Tech Hokies On SI is out with a full prediction with Minnesota winning 28-17
It might seem simple by saying I think Virginia Tech is going to have a hard time against Minnesota tonight due to the guys they have missing, but I think it will be true. While Minnesota is 7-5, they came close to knocking off Penn State, Michigan, and North Carolina.

This team is a couple of plays away from having an excellent season and they have most of their important guys suiting up tonight. I don't think it will be a blowout, but I like Minnesota to win.

All four writers at Fighting Gobbler (Virginia Tech Fansided) have Minnesota winning
Scott Richie has Minnesota winning 31-16: This is a very tall task for Virginia Tech with the number of key players not playing in the game. It will be interesting to see how some of the younger players perform and use it as a springboard for 2025. In the end, the Gophers are one of the tougher teams that the Hokies could have drawn this bowl season under P.J. Fleck and they will get the win and cover the 9.5-point spread according to DraftKings.

Paul Peters is going with Minnesota, 20-13: The Hokies have less than half of their starters from the Virginia game available for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, and are down three of their five starting offensive linemen against a seasoned Minnesota front seven. Tech can hang in there with a spirited defensive effort, but points may be hard to come by against a Gopher defense that allows a paltry 17.5 points per game.

Adam Firebaugh picks Minnesota, 27-17: Minnesota this season has looked like numerous Tech squads over the years, relying on a stout defense to overcome underwhelming, but adequate offensive performances. Consequently, the Hokies must find a way to excel behind Pop Watson, who probably will struggle more than he did against UVA. To compensate for the loss of key starters to the transfer portal and injuries, young players on both sides of the ball will be pivotal to the Hokies’ success. Barring a perfect performance, I don’t see Tech being able to “next man up” its way to a win.

Roy Hatfield takes Minnesota, 24-13: I can’t seem to get a clear picture of this one. If Virginia Tech was full strength, I would be all over the Hokies. With so many key opt-outs, however, I’m not sure how Virginia Tech is going to put up enough points in this one. I’m sure the Hokies will see a steady diet of ground and pound from the Gophers, and that does not bode well. I’m calling for a good old-fashioned rock fight, with the Gophers pulling away late.