SDSU currently has a very stout defense, highly ranked in DI-AA. Their only loss was suffered to another ranked I-AA team when SDSU's quarterback was injured and replaced by a redshirt freshman. They've since won 2 games with the replacement and expect the senior starter back soon. They are a well coached, well disciplined, well motivated team, none of which this Minnesota team is right now. There won't be the same type of cult following in Minneapolis ala the NDSU crew, but there will be a nice SDSU contingency at TCF that day. This Minnesota team might be as bad as that 2007 team, with the difference being the quality of the league this year. Contrary to some paternalistic Minnesotans' beliefs, this won't be the be all, end all sporting event for the state of South Dakota. In fact, very few South Dakotans pay much regard to Minnesota, the University or the State, as some Minnesotans believe they should (on the hand, when SDSU plays in Lincoln next fall, our western neighbors will be quite jacked up) and don't consider themselves Minnesota West or a part of Minnesota's natural recruiting cradle. In that regard, the team and school probably won't be quite as pumped as NDSU was in '07. On paper, Minnesota should win. SDSU does not have the caliber of athlete as Minnesota. SDSU should not have the depth. And presumably, the Minnesota faithful should provide some semblance of home-field advantage. But whatever tangibles that Minnesota currently has has not exactly delivered quality football. U of M should easily win, but shouldn't assume that SDSU will an easy counter towards a Motor City Bowl berth.