After the Bowling Green debacle, it’s safe to say few if any people expected the Gophers to start November atop the Big Ten West. Here’s what to expect from Part Two of Minnesota’s Big Ten schedule:
Part Two of Minnesota’s Big Ten Schedule
November 6 vs. Illinois
Since surviving a comeback attempt by Nebraska in week one, the Illini have gone 2-6, beating only Charlotte and- inexplicably- Penn State. Statistically, the two teams are fairly similar. Once again, Minnesota’s main advantage should be in the run game. The Gophers hold an edge in run defense as well.
Barring further injuries at running back, this should be a win for Minnesota.
November 13 @ Iowa
This *should* have been the first big test for Minnesota since facing Ohio State in week one. The 6-2 Hawkeyes are ranked #9 as of this writing but have been as high as #2. They’ve already beaten two ranked teams this season, including #4 Penn State. As is the norm for Iowa, they have a stingy run defense that will test the depleted Minnesota backs- especially if Bryce Williams is unable to play (which seems likely). Having lost to Wisconsin and Purdue in back-to-back games, the Hawkeyes are likely to show up in a bad mood on Saturday.
Does Minnesota have a chance in this game? Sure. In rivalry games, you never know.
November 20 @ Indiana
A year ago, it looked like the Hoosiers had finally turned the corner. They beat #8 Penn State, #23 Michigan, and #16 Wisconsin in the shortened season. A road game against #3 Ohio State was the only game they lost. Their 6-1 record got them into the Outback Bowl, where they lost to Ole Miss by just six-point. But a lot can change in a year- Indiana is currently 2-6, with wins against Western Kentucky and Idaho. Part of that is undoubtedly due to the loss of quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who separated his shoulder on October 2.
Indiana is decent against the run but allows over 250 passing yards per game. If Chris Autman-Bell, Daniel Jackson, and Mike Brown-Stephens are all healthy, this could be a big day for Tanner Morgan. It should be another road win for Minnesota.
November 27 vs. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is 5-3, but they’ve played a brutal schedule. Already, they’ve faced five ranked teams; they lost to the first three (Penn State, Notre Dame, and Michigan) but are coming off of upsets of Purdue and Iowa in the last two weeks.
The Badgers’ stout defense could be the difference in this game. They lead the nation against the run (the Gophers are fifth), and this will likely be the epitome of a late-season, possibly crappy-weather, Big Ten game. As of today, ESPN gives Minnesota a 50.4% chance to win. In other words, this will be a close game. With Paul Bunyan’s Axe on the line, it often is.
In Summary:
Part Two of Minnesota’s Big Ten schedule looks less daunting today than it did a month ago. Indiana looks to have taken a huge step in the wrong direction this year, and the Gophers have done a commendable job turning things around after the Bowling Green disaster. They have a definite shot at the Big Ten West crown.
