The Minnesota Golden Gophers face their toughest opponent of the season on Saturday, as they host the No. 4-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions at Huntington Bank Stadium.
The Gophers enter the matchup 6-4, while the Nittany Lions have a 9-1 record, with their only loss coming against No. 2 Ohio State.
Minnesota is coming off a bye week as they previously lost their last matchup to Rutgers but won four consecutive Big Ten games before that, including two Top-25 upsets over USC and Illinois.
Related: After disappointing loss to Rutgers, Gophers shift focus to No. 4 Penn State
Follow us on Facebook
The Golden Gophers are 6-10 all-time against Penn State, losing their most recent matchup in 2022. They upset Penn State last time they hosted them in Minneapolis in 2019.
Here's a look at some keys to watch and predictions for this Big Ten matchup set to kickoff at 2:30 p.m. CT.
The Gophers have been pretty good after bye weeks under P.J. Fleck, including a win over Maryland last month and an upset of Iowa last year. An extra week to prepare for the Nittany Lions and stew on the loss to Rutgers last time out should have Minnesota fired up from the start on Saturday.
Tommy: Extra Motivation
This is undoubtedly the biggest challenge for Fleck's team this season. Minnesota is 2-1 against Top-25 ranked teams this season and almost pulled out a win at the Big House against Michigan. Being at home is another help for the Gophers, as it'll be senior day, which includes quarterback Max Brosmer, among others. Minnesota is already bowl eligible, but a win after a disappointing loss to the Scarlet Knights would surely boost the bowl game projection and spirits of this program.
The Nittany Lions have been great on both sides of the ball this season but it's their defense that concerns me more than anything. The unit is top-five in the conference in basically every defensive stat and top-six in the country in scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense.
Tommy: Penn State Ground Game vs. Gophers Defense
Minnesota has been prone to opposing rushing attacks all season and the Nittany Lions have a good one. With snow potentially in the forecast for Saturday's game, the run game will be relied on even more and that could be something the Gophers simply can't keep up with and ultimately win the time of possession. Penn State's Nick Singleton is expected to be relied on heavily and has averaged 8.4 yards per carry in his past five games. He also has big-play ability, another thing Minnesota has been prone to on the defensive side of the ball.
Related: 3 more Gophers accept invites to all-star showcases
Key Matchup
Josh: Gophers LT Aireontae Ersery vs. PSU LB Abdul Carter
Carter is tied for third in the Big Ten and 12th in the country with 8 sacks but is also second in the nation with 17.5 tackles for loss. He can wreck a game and has been particularly lethal rushing from the right side of the defense, which means Ersery's side. This matchup between two potential high-round draft picks should be worth the price of admission but will also have a huge impact on the outcome of the game.
Tommy: Trenches
As previously stated, the game could have weather impact it and it makes it that much more critical for the Gophers to win the battle in the trenches. Particularly on the offensive side of the ball, as Darius Taylor is one of the best halfbacks in the conference if he gets good blocking up front. Minnesota's defensive line will need to make an impact as well to slow down the Nittany Lions' offense.
As much as I wanted to say Ersery vs. Carter, I'll go with Taylor. As mentioned, the Nittany Lions are very good at stopping the run but the Gophers need to get Taylor going. When he has at least 100 yards from scrimmage, Minnesota is undefeated this season. When he's bottled up, the Gophers are just 1-3. Getting him free will be crucial.
Tommy: Gophers QB Max Brosmer
It's been less than a year since Brosmer announced he was joining the program and this will already be his final home game. He'll be facing his toughest opponent he's likely ever seen at the collegiate level on Saturday, and what a way to go out but on top, right? It will also be a true test of Brosmer's skills against a talented Penn State defense, potentially affecting draft NFL stock.
Penn State has been very good this season but Minnesota certainly has a chance here. If they can protect Brosmer and get Taylor going a bit, I like their chances but ultimately, I think the latter will be difficult and the Gophers will fall just short.
Tommy: 31-14 Penn State
I'd love to see the storybook ending of Brosmer leading the Gophers down the field for a game-winning drive, but this is reality. Minnesota has struggled against talented run offenses and Penn State's defense is simply too good against a inconsistent Minnesota offense. I expect both teams to play close until the final quarter.