How do you watch Gophers and Penn State, and 3 keys to a Minnesota win
The final home game of the season and it is senior day. Can the Gophers pull out a dramatic win over a talented Penn State team?
How to Watch
TV: CBS
Time: 2:30
Stream: Paramount
3 KEYS
- Offensive line needs a great game – They need their best game of the season against a very good Nittany Lion front seven. Getting some yards on the ground to loosen up the passing game is going to be critical and it starts with the line making those holes then protecting Brosmer.
- Secondary making plays – We might need a turnover or two this game and I’m looking at the secondary to make that happen. Penn State barely pulled out an overtime win over USC and that game was close in part because Drew Allar threw three picks.
- Stop the run – Penn State is averaging 200 yards per game on the ground, 2nd in the Big Ten. You may still be having nightmares over what Kaleb Johnson did to us in the 2nd half of the Iowa game. The Nittany Lions have a backfield duo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton who are going to be a problem for this Gopher defense. Can they take better angles, make the tackle and keep this ground game in check?
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #15 QB – Drew Allar – The junior is completing 72% of his passes and has 16 touchdowns on the season. As mentioned above, we need him to give up a possession or two with a pick.
- #11 DE – Abdul Carter – A likely top-10 pick in next year’s draft, Carter has 8 sacks on the season with 2 forced fumbles and has knocked down 3 passes. He makes plays all over the field.
PREDICTION
I would love to envision a scenario where Brosmer leads the Gophers on a 4th quarter drive that ends with a Cristian Driver touchdown against his old team to give Minnesota the lead. Then Koi Perich seals the game with an interception for Minnesota’s biggest win since they last beat Penn State at The Bank. But this isn’t a Disney movie.
Penn State is very good and they need to do more than just win, they need to make statements in their final two regular-season games to ensure a spot in the 12-team playoff.
I love the fact that Minnesota has had the bye week ahead of this game, that seems to matter. Our best chance at a win involves Indiana beating Ohio State in the Big Noon slot, giving Penn State hope at passing the Buckeyes in the standings. They begin to assume their spot in the Big Ten Championship is just a formality and they overlook the Gophers.
I do think this will be closer than Penn State would like it to be, but they will take home the coveted Governor’s Bell.
Minnesota – 16
Penn State – 23