Gophers vs. Badgers: How to Win with a Prediction

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We don’t ask for a lot as Gophers fans. I almost think Minnesotans crave relevancy more than big time success. Just being talked about as a contender gives us something to smile about as we rest our heads at night.

Being in contention is fine, but for the Gophers, now is not the time to get happy. Opportunities to play in the Big Ten Championship have been few and far between, to say the least. The Gophers are one game away from that feat and the hostility of the coming match will be unmatched.

The Wisconsin Badgers and the Minnesota Golden Gophers will square off for the 124th time on Saturday. It will be one of the biggest games in arguably the most historic rivalry in college football.

Minnesota wins if…

The Gophers have one of the top defensive backfields in the entire country. They’re fast, they’re mean and they’re going to take the ball away. This means that success against the Gophers is usually due to a heavy ground attack. If the Gophers can hold the Badgers under 175 yards on the ground, they can win this game. This will be an extremely difficult task against a player in Melvin Gordon who’s statistics are other worldly this season. He’s got 254 carries for 2109 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also averages 213.9 rushing yards in conference games and has not been held below 200 in his last three games. While Melvin gets the credit, a lot of it should go to the big boys up front. Some of the holes they opened against Nebraska were ridiculous. I could have rushed for 100 yards; Melvin ran for 408.

Wisconsin wins if…

With David Cobb likely out, stopping the Gophers rushing attack will be easier for Wisconsin. However, the Gophers have very capable backs to carry the load. To win this game, Wisco needs put Mitch Leidner in passing situations. When the Gophers look really good, they are able to execute the run-pass option to perfection. When running is not an option, it becomes a lot harder. If the Badgers can get out to a lead and force the Gophers to pass the ball on long third downs, I like their chances.

Prediction

While many think Wisconsin is a lock to win this one at home, many also haven’t seen the Gophers play this year. This isn’t your average Gophers team, but because they will likely be sans their best offensive player, I pick the Badgers to win this one. In a hard fought battle at Camp Randle, the Badgers will pull away at the end and win 34-21.

Nov 22, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Jerry Kill talks to receiver KJ Maye against Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Minnesota won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports