Missouri vs. Minnesota: 5 Things You Need To Know For Citrus Bowl

By Matt Johnson

Missouri vs. Minnesota: 5 Things You Need To Know For Citrus Bowl

Minnesota Golden Gophers — We’re still a few weeks away from opening kickoff between the Missouri Tigers and Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 2015 Citrus Bowl. Nevertheless, fans of both schools are already preparing for the latest showdown between the Big 10 and SEC in Orlando. Here are five things people should know heading into the Jan. 1 contest between the Tigers and Gophers.

5. Minnesota Returns To New Year’s Day Bowl

Minnesota Golden Gophers

5. Minnesota Returns To New Year’s Day Bowl

Minnesota Golden Gophers — It’s been a long time since Minnesota played on New Year’s Day. The last time the Golden Gophers appeared in a New Year’s Day bowl game was in 1962 when they defeated UCLA in the Rose Bowl. Minnesota’s bid to the Citrus Bowl marks the Gophers' biggest postseason appearance in more than 50 years.

4. Missouri and Minnesota Posted Similar Defensive Stats This Season

Missouri Tigers

4. Missouri and Minnesota Posted Similar Defensive Stats This Season

Missouri Tigers — On paper, the two teams match up quite favorably, especially on the defensive side. Missouri finished the season allowing an average of 344.5 yards against while the Golden Gophers allowed slightly more at 362.7 yards per contest. Whichever defense makes the most plays figures to carry their team to victory on Jan. 1.

3. David Cobb Had a Big Year For Minnesota Running the Football

David Cobb

3. David Cobb Had a Big Year For Minnesota Running the Football

David Cobb — The Texas native had a huge campaign for coach Jerry Kill’s Gophers, racking up 1,548 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Missouri's defense will need to key on him to slow down Minnesota’s offensive attack.

2. Bud Sasser Leads Missouri’s Passing Attack

Bud Sasser

2. Bud Sasser Leads Missouri’s Passing Attack

Bud Sasser — The senior wide receiver put together a huge campaign for the Tigers, hauling in 70 passes for 935 yards and 10 scores. Sasser is quarterback Maty Mauk’s favorite target in the passing game, so expect the Gophers to keep a close eye on the 6-foot-2 wideout.

1. Missouri's Shane Ray Is a 1st Team All-American

Shane Ray

1. Missouri's Shane Ray Is a 1st Team All-American

Shane Ray — Missouri’s primary pass-rusher picked up a huge individual honor when he was named an All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. The 6-foot-3 defensive lineman finished with 14 sacks for the year. Minnesota’s offensive line obviously faces a huge challenge in keeping Ray away from quarterback Mitch Leidner.

Teams in this article »

Minnesota Golden Gophers

•

Missouri Tigers

Share On Facebook

Share