MINNESOTA vs. MICHIGAN STATE
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Huntington Bank Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: KFAN, 100.3 FM
Weather: 44 degrees, mostly cloudy, 6 mph south wind
Betting spread: Gophers, minus-3.5
Records: With a shot at the pig, Minnesota (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) got slaughtered by Iowa in a 41-3 blowout loss with Floyd of Rosedale on the line Saturday. Michigan State (3-5, 0-5) lost to rival Michigan 31-20 in the Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
History: The Gophers have won two straight over the Spartans (2022 and ’23). Before that, the U had lost five consecutive to Michigan State and the Spartans lead overall series at 30-19 since it began in 1950.
Storyline: Former Gophers defensive coordinator Joe Rossi returns to Minnesota after taking the same role in East Lansing two years ago. His defense is struggling, but there is respect in Minnesota. Current DC Danny Collins said Rossi’s attention to detail rubbed off on him. “We always magnified things,” he said.
Big question: Can Gophers bounce back after its humbling loss in a rivalry game? Picking themselves up will be easier to do at home and against a team in the basement of the Big Ten.
Key matchup: Gophers front seven vs. Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles. Minnesota did a great job containing Nebraska’s mobile quarterback Dylan Raiola two weeks ago and Chiles has similar athleticism with six rushing scores this season.
Who has the edge?
Gophers offense vs. Michigan State defense: Minnesota mustered a season-low 133 total yards against Iowa, but Michigan State has been allowing 380 per game, so the U should be able to move the ball and score. The Spartans are dead last in the Big Ten in scoring defense, giving up 32.5 points per game. … But Gophers RB Darius Taylor is (again) dealing with an injury and his availability is in doubt. If he can’t go, Fame Ijeboi is likely to get the bulk of the carries. Taylor’s pass-catching ability is missed most when he can’t go. … QB Drake Lindsey had three interceptions in 208 attempts in the first seven games and three picks in 28 attempts against Iowa. But the Spartans are 113th in the nation with only six takeaways in eight games. … Minnesota’s offensive line gave up nine pressures and four sacks to the Hawkeyes. The Spartans have been decent with 14 total sacks this season, which is 82nd in the nation. … The Gophers continue to start slow against FBS completion: no touchdowns, one field goal and six punts on opening possessions. EDGE: Gophers
Gophers defense vs. Michigan State offense: QB Aidan Chiles led the Big Ten with 11 interceptions last season, but has only three picks this year. Chiles has split time this year with Alessio Milivojevic and the Gophers are preparing for both signal callers. … The Spartans are 118th in the nation in sacks allowed (2.8 per game). Left tackle Conner Moore and Caleb Carter, who has played both guard spots, have given up at an average of three pressures apiece in Big Ten play. DE Anthony Smith should be able to get home at least once Saturday. … WR Nick Marsh has become the Spartans’ top target with 42 receptions for 479 yards and five touchdowns. The U’s secondary remains banged up with John Nestor going down against Iowa last weekend. … Head coach Jonathan Smith is a California native and his name was mentioned for UCLA opening back in September, but an 0-5 start to Big Ten play has snuffed that out for now. EDGE: Gophers
Special teams: Gophers punter Tom Weston struggled with directional punting and Iowa’s Kaden Wetjen returned one for a touchdown. … Both kickers, Brady Denaburg and Martin Connington are perfect inside 40 yards and less than 50% beyond that distance. EDGE: Michigan State
Prediction: Before the season, Smith pegged Michigan State’s expectations “at minimum” of getting back to a bowl game. They would need to win three of four to eek into one — and it isn’t starting this week. Look for Minnesota to continue to win ugly. Gophers, 22-19
Related Articles
Gophers football: Deven Eastern, Jalen Logan-Redding gutting out final year
Former Gophers assistant Joe Rossi struggling with Michigan State
Gophers football: Utah lineman Mataalii Benjamin de-commits from U
Loons vs. Seattle: Keys to the match, storylines and prediction
Gophers want to be a ‘tough out,’ but Iowa discarded them with ease
Leave a Reply