Nebraska vs. Minnesota: Game Preview With TV Schedule

By Connor Muldowney
Nebraska
Getty Images

Getting destroyed on the road against Wisconsin wasn’t exactly the look the Nebraska Cornhuskers were going for. However, with two games left on the schedule, the Cornhuskers have a chance to rebound and take down a tough Minnesota Golden Gophers team that just played Ohio State tough a week ago. Both teams need a win here, but a loss for Nebraska would spell the end of any hopes to make a solid bowl.

Nebraska has one of the best rushing offenses (10th) in the nation behind senior Ameer Abdullah and his 1,319 yards and 17 touchdowns. The talented back also has 14 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns — third on the team in receiving. Sophomore quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. has been solid on the ground as well as through the air, rushing for 588 yards and five touchdowns while passing for 1,889 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Jordan Westerkamp leads all receivers with 606 yards and four touchdowns on 34 catches while struggling star Kenny Bell has a team-high 36 catches for 591 yards and three touchdowns.

Minnesota doesn’t exactly have a solid pass offense, averaging just 135 yards per game through the air behind sophomore Mitch Leidner. It’s not the fact that he’s a poor passer, although he does complete just 51 percent of his passes, but the realization that he’s more of a running QB than an aerial threat. On the year, he has passed for just 1,310 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions while rushing for 297 yards and six touchdowns — second on the team. David Cobb is the team’s leading rusher, racking up 1,350 yards and 11 touchdowns on 5.3 yards per carry. Tight end Maxx Williams is the team’s main receiving threat, catching 25 passes for 373 yards and seven scores — he has a bright future ahead of him.

Defensively, Minnesota’s unit has been the main reason why the Golden Gophers found a way into the Top 25 last week as well as recorded seven wins in its first 10 games. The Golden Gophers rank 33rd in total yards allowed along with 28th in points allowed per game this season. Nebraska has improved vastly from last season, ranking 41st in points allowed and 42nd in total yards allowed per contest.

Minnesota will travel to Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers at 12 p.m. EST on Saturday, Nov. 22. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN.

PREDICTION: Minnesota 21, Nebraska 35

Want to see the Cornhuskers take on the Golden Gophers in week 13? Check out ScoreBig for tickets.

Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also reach him at [email protected].

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like