Nebraska (2-4 overall, 0-2 Big Ten) at Minnesota (4-2 overall, 1-1 Big Ten)
When: Saturday, 2:30 p.m. CT – Minneapolis, Minn.
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium (52,525)
TV/Radio: ESPN2, KFAN 100.3
Series: Minnesota leads the series 31-22-2
Last Meeting: November 22, 2014; Minnesota won 28-24 in Lincoln, Neb.
Coach: Mike Riley (1st season, 2-4)
National Championships: Nebraska (5); Minnesota (7)
INSIDE THE GAME
Big Game
Husker fans always travel well, making for an intense game atmosphere at The Bank. The Gophers know they will need to come out fast to gain the momentum.
“The biggest thing is we’ve got to play with great enthusiasm and we’ve got to play hard, and there’s no reason not to do that,” said Jerry Kill. “We’re at home. We’re playing the University of Nebraska. I think the game is sold out to my understanding.”
Stout Line
The Nebraska defensive front has been a bright spot for the Blackshirts, allowing just 95.3 yards on the ground. Jerry Kill and the Gophers expect a physical battle in the trenches.
“Their defensive line is very physical,” said Kill. “I think they are more physical than what they have been, big at defensive end and then they have got the same tackles they have had.”
Rivalry?
Despite claiming one of the best unofficial trophy games in the country, Kill isn’t sure if this matchup is a rivalry.
“We’ve only played them twice,” said Kill. “I mean, I don’t know if you can consider that a rivalry game or anything like that. I know for me, growing up in the Midwest and being in Kansas and getting blasted by them every year for years and years, is that it was nice to win just one.”
Matchup to Watch
Minnesota defense vs. Nebraska’s Tommy Armstrong Jr.— The Huskers’ dual-threat quarterback will certainly test the discipline of the Gophers’ defense. Armstrong Jr. leads the Big Ten in total offense; averaging 284.3 yards per game. What makes the 6-foot-1, 220-pound junior dangerous is his ability to extend plays with his feet and pick up yards when the pocket collapses. Armstrong ran for over 700 yards last season and already has over 200 rushing yards this year. Minnesota must maintain leverage, control gaps and not allow Armstrong Jr. to break free in critical situations.
STORYLINE CENTRAL
It hasn’t been an easy season for the Huskers. Their four losses are by a combined 10 points, with three coming in the last minute of the game. John Huthmacher of the Hastings Tribune makes the case that the 2-4 Huskers could easily be 5-1 at this point.
Eric Olson of the AP details the recent struggles of Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. In Big Ten play, Armstrong is completing just 35.9% of his passes. Yikes.
The Huskers’ defense hasn’t been great this year – ranking 12th in the Big Ten giving up 443.8 yards per game. According to Brian Rosenthal of the Lincoln Journal Star, the usually stout defense is looking to force big plays and swing the momentum on Saturday.
Joe Christensen’s Gridiron Gold blog details the Gopher injury situation. Damarius Travis will not play while Briean Boddy-Calhoun is a “maybe”.
Mitch Sherman of ESPN addresses the early calls for first year coach Mike Riley’s job.
WHO WINS?
The Gophers Win If…
They can make Nebraska respect the passing game. Against Purdue, Minnesota really didn’t need to put the ball in the air. With 326 yards on the ground and just 82 in the air, the Gophers imposed their will between the tackles. Saturday will be a different story where Minnesota will need to beat the Huskers through the air if the running game isn’t working.
“If you want to run the football, you have to keep them off-balance a little bit,” said Matt Limegrover. “You can’t just dive it between the tackles and hope for the best. I think that’s one of the big factors is you watch, and you get all excited. We were excited to watch the Wisconsin game to see what they did running-game wise and like you said, 50 of their snaps, they were throwing it.”
The Huskers Win If…
They can actually finish a game without a tough break. Nebraska lost to BYU on a last second Hail Mary, to Miami in overtime, to Illinois on a touchdown with 10 seconds left, and to Wisconsin on a field goal with just four seconds left. If the Huskers can make the one play they were missing in their four losses, they could come away with a victory.