Minnesota Gophers Set to Face Northwestern State Demons in Non-Conference Matchup
Game Details
The Minnesota Gophers are scheduled to play the Northwestern State Demons on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Huntington Bank Stadium. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, and fans can also tune in to KFAN, 100.3 FM, for live radio coverage. According to weather forecasts, the temperature is expected to be around 55 degrees with partly cloudy skies and a 10 mph southeast wind.
Team Records and History
The Gophers are currently 1-0 after defeating Buffalo 23-10 in their season opener on August 28. The Demons also have a 1-0 record, having beaten Alcorn State 20-10 on the same day. This will be the first matchup between the two programs. The Gophers have a strong record against current FCS teams, with a 62-4 overall record and two losses apiece to North Dakota State and South Dakota.
Key Matchups and Stats
The Gophers’ offense, led by running back Darius Taylor, will face off against the Demons’ 3-3-5 defensive look. Taylor had 30 rushes and four receptions in the opener and is on pace for 408 total touches this season. The Demons’ defense limited Alcorn State to only 78 rushing yards in Week 1, but their starting safeties had sub-60 coverage grades in the season opener. The Gophers’ defense, which gave up only 10 points and 151 yards against Buffalo, will look to improve their takeaway record against the Demons.
Edge and Prediction
The Gophers have the edge in all three phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams. The Gophers’ offense should be able to move the ball effectively against the Demons’ defense, while the Gophers’ defense should be able to limit the Demons’ offense. The Gophers’ special teams unit, led by new kicker Brady Denaburg and new punter Tom Weston, had a strong performance against Buffalo. Based on these factors, the predicted score is Gophers 44, Demons 3.
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