NDSUstudent
10-18-2007, 04:07 PM
North Dakota State (6-0) at Minnesota (1-5) 12:00 PM Big Ten Network
Why to watch: It took a blocked field goal for Minnesota to escape disaster against North Dakota State last year, winning 10-9 as the only oasis in an ugly six-game stretch, but this year, it might be an upset if the Gophers win. The Bison might be the nation's best FCS team, coming in on a ten-game winning streak with a high-powered offense that's averaging 41 points per game, including 44 in a crushing win over Central Michigan. Minnesota played well offensively in a double-overtime loss to Northwestern, and is on a five-game losing streak with Michigan, Illinois, a road trip to Iowa, and Wisconsin still to deal with.
Why North Dakota State might win: The Bison are flat-out better than the Gophers. The defense has the linebackers in place to keep the Minnesota running game in check, and keep QB Adam Weber from being effective early on. The Gophers secondary, the worst in the nation, continues to give up yards in chunks, the pass rush remains non-existent, and there have been too many mistakes with 22 turnovers. Only NC State has a worse turnover margin.
Why Minnesota might win: No one has really tried to pound the ball on the Bison. While that might be easier said than done against a run defense allowing just 109 yards per game, this needs to be the time when Minnesota uses its solid offensive line and starts battering the ball a little bit. It might be smashmouth time for Minnesota to try to settle things down and control the clock.
Who to watch: The best running back in the game might be on NDSU's side of the field. 233-pound junior Tyler Roehl got a break last week against Mississippi Valley State, but throughout the year has been terrific, scoring three times in four games and rumbling for 6.2 yards per carry. Part fullback, part tailback, he's a dangerous receiver along with his duties as a bruising runner. NDSU would like to run him 25 times, set up the pass by bringing the safeties up to stop him, and win with ease.
What will happen: The Bison defensive front will keep Weber from getting the spread offense going like it needs to, while the offense will be able to do whatever it wants to on the Gopher defense. For most Minnesota fans, this will signal a low point, but NDSU will be one of the tighter teams the Gophers will face.
CFN Prediction: North Dakota State 38 ... Minnesota 27 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 Keeping Up with the Kardashians - 1 Ellen's dog plea) ... 1.5
http://cfn.scout.com/2/691897.html
Why to watch: It took a blocked field goal for Minnesota to escape disaster against North Dakota State last year, winning 10-9 as the only oasis in an ugly six-game stretch, but this year, it might be an upset if the Gophers win. The Bison might be the nation's best FCS team, coming in on a ten-game winning streak with a high-powered offense that's averaging 41 points per game, including 44 in a crushing win over Central Michigan. Minnesota played well offensively in a double-overtime loss to Northwestern, and is on a five-game losing streak with Michigan, Illinois, a road trip to Iowa, and Wisconsin still to deal with.
Why North Dakota State might win: The Bison are flat-out better than the Gophers. The defense has the linebackers in place to keep the Minnesota running game in check, and keep QB Adam Weber from being effective early on. The Gophers secondary, the worst in the nation, continues to give up yards in chunks, the pass rush remains non-existent, and there have been too many mistakes with 22 turnovers. Only NC State has a worse turnover margin.
Why Minnesota might win: No one has really tried to pound the ball on the Bison. While that might be easier said than done against a run defense allowing just 109 yards per game, this needs to be the time when Minnesota uses its solid offensive line and starts battering the ball a little bit. It might be smashmouth time for Minnesota to try to settle things down and control the clock.
Who to watch: The best running back in the game might be on NDSU's side of the field. 233-pound junior Tyler Roehl got a break last week against Mississippi Valley State, but throughout the year has been terrific, scoring three times in four games and rumbling for 6.2 yards per carry. Part fullback, part tailback, he's a dangerous receiver along with his duties as a bruising runner. NDSU would like to run him 25 times, set up the pass by bringing the safeties up to stop him, and win with ease.
What will happen: The Bison defensive front will keep Weber from getting the spread offense going like it needs to, while the offense will be able to do whatever it wants to on the Gopher defense. For most Minnesota fans, this will signal a low point, but NDSU will be one of the tighter teams the Gophers will face.
CFN Prediction: North Dakota State 38 ... Minnesota 27 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 Keeping Up with the Kardashians - 1 Ellen's dog plea) ... 1.5
http://cfn.scout.com/2/691897.html