** 2023 Opponent Preview : Minnesota (Game 1) **

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I just don't see Minnesota scoring a lot of points.  They traditionally max out between 24-27 most of the time.  

I think if we put up 28 points or more, we got this game won.  If it's low 20's, then both teams are punting a lot, chewing up clock and waiting for a mistake to happen.  

If we score 28 and lose, then we are going to have problems again.  

 
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I just don't see Minnesota scoring a lot of points.  They traditionally max out between 24-27 most of the time.  

I think if we put up 28 points or more, we got this game won.  If it's low 20's, then both teams are punting a lot, chewing up clock and waiting for a mistake to happen.  

If we score 28 and lose, then we are going to have problems again.  
I think Minnesota is going to struggle if we play good defense.  I think they will play well.  I just don't know what to expect out of our offense.  I know even less what to expect out of special teams.

It'll be interesting to see how the turnover and penalty game plays out.

 
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I see a game where both offenses don’t look polished. Lots of punting. Then, late in the game, one defense screws up and allows a late TD to win the game.  
 

Im thinking it’s the Minnesota defense that screws up and let’s one of our receivers loose down field. 

 
The offense has a lot of experience in terms of playing football, but will they mesh game 1? 

Jeff Sims: 23 starts 

RB room: 21 total starts 

Kemp: 25 starts 

Washington: 18 starts

IGC: 7 starts 

OL: Nouli is the least amount of starts with 14...this unit is ready to be a solid one imo. Lack a little talent but exp. on the line always matters

 
hopefully our DB's are better than what Syracuse had.  A couple teams figured out a route combo that torched the defense a few times.  Part of it was schematic and the other was just DB's not making the play.  I have a feeling Fleck will know this and we'll see this combo more than once 

 
MyBloodIsRed16 said:
hopefully our DB's are better than what Syracuse had.  A couple teams figured out a route combo that torched the defense a few times.  Part of it was schematic and the other was just DB's not making the play.  I have a feeling Fleck will know this and we'll see this combo more than once 
WR is a strength for Minny this year. Their QB is largely unproven but we need to get to him quickly to disrupt these plays. 

 
BigRedBuster said:
I see a game where both offenses don’t look polished. Lots of punting. Then, late in the game, one defense screws up and allows a late TD to win the game.  
 

Im thinking it’s the Minnesota defense that screws up and let’s one of our receivers loose down field. 
Yeah.  And don't forget the clock won't stop and restart after 1st downs.  A long drive could make a quarter fly by quickly.  New rule to match NFL rule.

If the Huskers put up a 7 minute drive that results in a 28 yard FG attempt, I may puke.

If Minnesota puts up a 9 minute drive that results in a FG..... Well, that's Minnesota for ya.

 
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Prediction​


Predictor​




 


Minnesota 26-20


Blake Ruane, Daily Gopher




 


Minnesota 24-20


Randy Johnson, Mpls. Star Tribune




 


Minnesota 23-17


Ryan Burns, Gopher Illustrated




 


Minnesota 20-16


Sam McKewon, Omaha World-Herald




 


Minnesota 28-21


Amie Just, Lincoln Journal Star




 


Minnesota 28-21


Luke Mullin, Lincoln Journal Star




 


Nebraska 27-20


Colton Stone, Lincoln Journal Star




 


Nebraska 21-16


Nate Head, Lincoln Journal Star




 


Minnesota 26-21


Andy Greder, St. Paul Pioneer Press




 


Minnesota 24-16


College Football News




 


Nebraska 24-17


Adam Carriker




 


Minnesota 82.3% win prob.


BCF Toys




 


Minnesota 28-16


SP+




 


Minnesota 87.3% win prob.


numberFire




 


Minnesota 66.5% win prob.


DRatings




 


Minnesota 67.3% win prob.


ESPN FPI




 
Prediction​


Predictor​




 


Minnesota 26-20


Blake Ruane, Daily Gopher




 


Minnesota 24-20


Randy Johnson, Mpls. Star Tribune




 


Minnesota 23-17


Ryan Burns, Gopher Illustrated




 


Minnesota 20-16


Sam McKewon, Omaha World-Herald




 


Minnesota 28-21


Amie Just, Lincoln Journal Star




 


Minnesota 28-21


Luke Mullin, Lincoln Journal Star




 


Nebraska 27-20


Colton Stone, Lincoln Journal Star




 


Nebraska 21-16


Nate Head, Lincoln Journal Star




 


Minnesota 26-21


Andy Greder, St. Paul Pioneer Press




 


Minnesota 24-16


College Football News




 


Nebraska 24-17


Adam Carriker




 


Minnesota 82.3% win prob.


BCF Toys




 


Minnesota 28-16


SP+




 


Minnesota 87.3% win prob.


numberFire




 


Minnesota 66.5% win prob.


DRatings




 


Minnesota 67.3% win prob.


ESPN FPI
Wow.  Tough hill for us to climb for sure.  But to Coach Rhule's credit, he did say "We are a 4 win team, we have to go out there and earn it and win to prove it" or something.  And all off season, it seems he has gotten the Husker teams attention.

I saw on one Minnesota board for predictions for the game, straight up picks.  Think about this - 50 responses and everyone picked Minnesota winning.  Not one person picked Nebraska! (as a minor upset of course).

Just another reason why I am excited to see this game and what will happen without any idea what will happen.  It doesn't feel like going into the NW or Illinois season openers expecting to win big.

:snacks:

 
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