The Golden Gophers, fresh walk-off victory over Nebraska, take on the 1-0 Eastern Michigan Eagles on Saturday night. The Gophers are off to a promising start with a win over a Big Ten West foe and face the Eagles for a 6:30 pm kick-off. Eastern Michigan is coming off a 33-23 win over Howard in their season opener, which featured two Eagles kickoff returns for touchdowns in the first half.
The Gophers’ home opener was marred by sloppy offensive effort and poor special teams play but finished in dramatic fashion as kicker Dragan Kesich delivered the game-winning field goal as time expired. This come-from-behind victory marked the first walk-off field goal in regulation since 2003. Kesich was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, and Tyler Nubin earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors with two interceptions, including a game-changing pick in the final minute. Nubin earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 91.5 overall on defense and a coverage grade of 92.5, the best among safeties nationally.
Game Information
- Date: Saturday, September 9
- Time: 6:30 PM CST
- Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
- TV: BTN
- Radio: KFAN
- 2023 Record: Minnesota (1-0), Eastern Michigan (1-0)
Betting Line
- Spread: Gophers, -20.5
- Over/Under: 48.5
- Money Line: Minnesota -1350, Eastern Michigan +800
Gopher Offense vs. Eastern Michigan Defense
The Gophers struggled to establish the run against Nebraska and finished with 25 rushing attempts for 55 yards and 2.2 yards per carry. Sean Tyler rushed for 41 yards on ten carries, and Bryce Williams rushed six times for 14 yards. Athan Kaliakmanis went 24-44 for 196 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. Daniel Jackson, Corey Crooms Jr., and Brevyn Spann-Ford all had at least five receptions for the Gophers. The Gophers had 20 first downs but failed to produce any offensive plays of more than 20 yards. Minnesota co-offensive coordinators Greg Harbough, Jr. and Matt Simon are expected to iron out the wrinkles in the run game and look for more downfield passing opportunities.
The Eagles allowed Howard to put up almost 400 yards of offense, so the Gophers should be able to effectively move the ball. Eastern Michigan had four sacks last week, so they have the potential to disrupt Kaliakmanis’ timing. The Gophers’ offensive line is inexperienced and allowed three sacks to the Huskers, so the Eagles will try and control the line of scrimmage. Offensive line coach Brian Callahan will continue to tinker with the offensive line to prepare them for the Big Ten opponents.
Eastern Michigan Offense vs. Gophers Defense
At first glance, it may look like Eastern Michigan had a strong offensive showing in their 33-23 win over Howard. The Eagles had two offensive touchdowns but also scored twice on kickoff returns and had a safety and field goal. The team finished the game with 110 rushing yards for a 3.7 yards per carry average and a touchdown by Samson Evans. Quarterback Austin Smith threw for 16-28 with one touchdown and one interception. The Eagles managed only 285 total offensive yards, which was enough to win, given their special team play.
The Eagles offense looked pedestrian against FCS opponent Howard, who is not in the same league as Minnesota. Joe Rossi’s defense, led by Nubin, will look to harass the Eagles all night long. Linebacker Cody Lindenberg, who missed the season opener, is expected to play against Eastern Michigan. Lindenberg is one of the Gophers’ top tacklers and leaders on the defense. The Gophers defensive line, who had 3.5 sacks against Nebraska, will put pressure on Smith and force him to make tough throws.
Did You Know?
- Eastern Michigan went 9-4 last year and won the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl over San Jose State
- The Gophers and Eastern Michigan meet for the first time ever Saturday
- Minnesota has played 86 of the 133 FBS teams and is 63-21-2 when playing those teams for the first time
- Minnesota plays two opponents that they have never faced, Eastern Michigan and North Carolina. The last time they played two new FBS opponents in the same season was 2006, when they played Kent State and Temple
- Minnesota has two Michigan natives on its roster: Tyler Stolsky (Portage Central) and Darius Taylor (Walled Lake Western). Eastern Michigan has two Minnesotans, Terry Lockett Jr. (Minnehaha Academy) and Jamarien Wheeler (Minneapolis Washburn)
- Fleck’s record at Minnesota is 45-27, which ranks fifth in program history for overall wins. He is ranked fifth for Minnesota Big Ten wins (27) and sixth in games coached (72)
- Fleck’s teams have gone 18-1 against non-conference opponents since 2017, which is the third-best winning percentage in the FBS over that time
Prediction
The Gophers will focus on establishing the run game, while Rossi’s defense will pressure the Eagles into making mistakes. Minnesota’s Achilles heel continues to be their special teams, and the Eagles can take advantage of that. It won’t be enough for the Eagles to win, and the Gophers will start the season 2-0.
Gophers win 33-9
