MINNESOTA at NORTHWESTERN
When: 11 a.m. Saturday
Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: KFAN, 100.3 FM
Weather: 47 degrees, partly sunny, 7 mph east wind
Betting spread: Northwestern, minus-3.5
Records: The Gophers fell to 6-4 overall, 4-3 in Big Ten play with a 42-13 loss at No. 8 Oregon last Friday. Northwestern dropped to 5-5, 3-4 with a 24-22 defeat to No. 18 on a last-second field goal at Wrigley Field.
History: In 2023, the Wildcats staked a 21-point comeback to beat Minnesota 37-34 in overtime at Ryan Field. Minnesota had won three in a row before that and lead the all-time series at 56-37-5.
Stat: 0-7. Northwestern’s record at Wrigley Field since 1923. The Wildcats are playing a few games at the Chicago Cubs’ venue while their new $862 million Ryan Field is being constructed on campus in Evanston.
Big question: Can the Gophers win a single road game this season? Minnesota is currently 0-4, dropping games to California, No. 1 Ohio State, Iowa and No. 8 Oregon.
Key matchup: To win, Minnesota must stop the run. “It will be a classic Big Ten game,” Gophers DC Danny Collins. The Wildcats are rarely stuffed for lost yards (36 plays for loss are eighth fewest in nation), and RB Caleb Komolafe is sixth in Big Ten with 757 yards and nine TDs. RB Joseph Himon II has 428 yards.
Who has the edge?
Gophers offense vs. Northwestern defense: Under David Braun, the Wildcats have kept up the tough defensive identity forged under ex-coach Pat Fitzgerald. They are allowing 19.6 points per game, which is good for 23rd in the country. … Minnesota benefited from an explosive return of all-purpose back Darius Taylor against Oregon. He led the U in targets (nine) and rushes (10). “Love having him back,” OC Greg Harbaugh said. Taylor, who has missed most of four games this season, helps redshirt freshman QB Drake Lindsey immensely. … Against Michigan, Northwestern won the turnover battle 5-0 and still lost. That evened their season differential: 15 takeaways, 15 giveaways. … SAF Robert Fitzgerald — no relation to Pat — has caught Harbaugh’s attention, especially in the run game, where he had an outstanding grade of 88.9, according to Pro Football Focus. He leads the team with 92 total tackles and will be keyed on in the U gameplan. … Koi Perich got his first touches on offense since Week 3 at Cal, with two rushes for 11 yards in Eugene. The sophomore SAF has been slowly rebuilding a role on offense. … Edge Michael Kilbane has been a surprise pass rusher with 34 total pressures, while RT Dylan Ray has allowed a team-high 24 this season. EDGE: Northwestern
Gophers defense vs. Northwestern offense: The Wildcats were expected to struggle mightily this fall. “The offensive problems are as bad as ever,” an anonymous Big Ten assistant was quoted in Athlon’s preseason magazine. But they have been slightly better, scoring 21.9 points per game (110th in nation), up from 17.9 (128th) a year ago. … Transfer QB Preston Stone had a 35 total touchdowns and eight interceptions over four years at Southern Methodist, but has 11 TDs and nine picks this fall. The Gophers, meanwhile, haven’t picked off a pass in four straight games. … South Dakota State transfer WR Griffin Wilde is the go-to target with twice as many targets as any teammate this season. He has 45 grabs (71 targets) for 644 yards and five TDs. He lines up all over the field. “Very dynamic,” Collins said. While CBs Mike Gerald and Za’Quan Bryan returned from injuries last week, the U still counted on senior Jai’Onte’ McMillan, a converted nickel/safety, and regular CB John Nestor to play most of the corner reps versus the Ducks. … Edge Anthony Smith has 9 1/2 sacks this season and can be the first U player to reach double digits since Willie VanDeSteeg in 2008. LT Caleb Tiernan is a top NFL prospect in the nation and has a sterling 87.8 pass-blocking grade, per PFF, but RT Martes Lewis, who transferred away from the Gophers last spring, has been decent at 68.8, per PFF. EDGE: Gophers
Special teams: Northwestern’s two kickers have made nearly 90% of field goals, while the U’s Brady Denaburg is at 76%. … Perich hasn’t had a big kick or punt return since a 56-yard kick return against Rutgers in late September. … The Gophers have blocked one field goal this year, while Northwestern has had one attempt blocked. … Denaburg’s big leg for touchbacks on kickoffs keeps opponents from trying returns. EDGE: Gophers
Prediction: The over-under point total of 40.5 seems fitting for what is shaping up to be a real slobber knocker. The Gophers will find just enough creative (and repetitious) ways to get the ball to Taylor in space to earn their first road win. Gophers, 19-17.
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