5 Reasons Why Minnesota Will Win 2015 Quick Lane Bowl

By Ryan Ratty

5 Reasons Why Minnesota Will Win 2015 Quick Lane Bowl

minnesota — The 2015 Quick Lane Bowl will feature two teams that are relatively close to Ford Field. The Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-7) were one of only a few losing teams that were able to get into a bowl game. After all, Minnesota played Michigan, Iowa, as well as Ohio State extremely tough. Here are five reasons why the Golden Gophers will walk away the winners of the 2015 Quick Lane Bowl.

5. Playing Turnover-Free

mitch leidner

5. Playing Turnover-Free

mitch leidner — Because Central Michigan has such a dynamic offense, it's important for the Golden Gophers not to give Cooper Rush and company more opportunities for scores. That said, quarterback Mitch Leidner will need to be on his game in this one. Minnesota really doesn't have the offense to score 40 points, so the turnover battle will be vital in this game.

4. Minnesota WRs Get YAC

drew wolitarsky

4. Minnesota WRs Get YAC

drew wolitarsky — We talk often about the trio of K.J. Maye, Drew Wolitarsky and Brandon Lingen. All three can do excellent things when they have the ball in their hands. Maye, the primary receiver for the Golden Gophers, obviously has the best future, but Wolitarsky and Lingen are both deep-ball threats who can truly take the top off the defense. I expect that to happen against a shaky Central Michigan secondary.

3. LBs Put On A Show

antonio johnson

3. LBs Put On A Show

NCAA Football: Purdue at Minnesota — Cody Poock and Antonio Johnson are two underrated linebackers in the Big Ten, a conference known for its linebackers. Poock and Johnson will need to play a role in both the running and passing game. With a guy like Cooper Rush, Poock and Johnson will need to cause confusion all game.

2. Therian Cochran Getting Pressure

therian cockran

2. Therian Cochran Getting Pressure

Therian Cochran — In terms of defensive linemen, senior Therian Cochran is a guy who will get some looks in the later rounds. However, because of the program he plays for, Cochran isn't necessarily getting the looks of other Big Ten defensive linemen. If Minnesota wants to win this game, they will need to get pressure on Rush, and the focus will be on Cochran to do just that.

1. Winning for Jerry Kill

jerry kill

1. Winning for Jerry Kill

jerry kill — Playing for a cause always means much more for a team. In 2015, the Golden Gophers have been involved in a ton a close-contested games, losing by one touchdown to both Michigan and Iowa, while also having their head retire due to medical concerns. Minnesota will be looking to win this one for Coach Kill.

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Minnesota Golden Gophers

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