Minnesota ranks 115th nationally in rushing yards per game (112.3). In Big Ten play, the Gophers are giving up 174.7 rushing yards per game, which ranks 89th. Those two stats must improve if the Gophers want to win this game and others moving forward. They’ll need to match Nebraska’s physicality on both lines.
Will the Penn State speculation distract the Huskers?
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, who grew up in State College, Pa., and played for Penn State, reportedly is on the Nittany Lions’ radar to replace the fired James Franklin. Rhule on Monday said he loves living in Lincoln and wants to keep building the Huskers program. He didn’t confirm or deny interest in the Penn State job.
Gophers LB Maverick Baranowski vs. Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson
Johnson, a junior running back and former Holy Angels star from Minneapolis, ranks second in the Big Ten at 108.3 rushing yards per game, and he’s coming off a 21-carry, 177-yard effort against Maryland. Tasked with stopping Johnson will be a defense led by Baranowski, whose 82.9 rating by Pro Football Focus ranks 13th nationally among linebackers.
Gophers safeties Kerry Brown and Koi Perich vs. Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola
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