No. 4 Penn State vs. Minnesota: Game Preview and Expectations
Penn State vs. Minnesota As the regular season nears its conclusion, the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions are gearing up for a formidable road challenge against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. With a perfect 4-0 record on the road, Penn State aims for their tenth win of the season while maintaining their hopes for a playoff berth. The match is set to take place at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.
Game Details:
- Kickoff:Â 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location:Â Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
- Betting Line:Â Penn State favored by 13 points
- Broadcast:Â CBS (Play-by-play: Brad Nessler, Analyst: Gary Danielson, Sideline: Jenny Dell)
- Weather: Temperatures will hover around 38°F, with wind conditions light and minimal chance of precipitation.
Coaching Matchup:
- James Franklin (Penn State): With a record of 97-40 in his 11th year at Penn State and 121-55 overall, Franklin has guided the Nittany Lions to significant successes during his tenure. He holds a 2-1 record against Minnesota.
- P.J. Fleck (Minnesota): Fleck is in his eighth season with a record of 56-38. He has a 1-1 record against Penn State as he seeks to establish his program as a competitive force in the Big Ten.
Fun Facts:
- Penn State has won its first four road games this season, a feat not achieved since 2011.
- The Nittany Lions’ defense has allowed a mere 49 points in the second half across all games this season, ranking second nationally.
- Historically, Penn State leads the series against Minnesota 16-10 but is winless (0-2) at Huntington Bank Stadium
Matchup Breakdown: Penn State vs. Minnesota
Penn State vs. Minnesota Offense anf Defense:
Minnesota has undergone a transformation under P.J. Fleck, now leaning more toward a pass-heavy attack rather than relying solely on a strong rushing game, a characteristic of Gophers football in past decades. Quarterback Max Brosmer has emerged as a key player, boasting a completion rate of 67.1% with 14 passing touchdowns and just four interceptions. His performance has been steady, especially in recent games where he has avoided turnovers.
Brosmer’s main targets include seasoned receiver Daniel Jackson and versatile running back Darius Taylor, who also contributes significantly in the passing game. However, the Gophers have struggled with pass protection, allowing 23 sacks this year. This plays directly into Penn State’s strengths, as their defensive line, featuring players like Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton, is among the best in the conference.
Penn State Offense vs. Minnesota Defense:
Minnesota’s defense is known for its physicality and opportunistic nature, giving up an average of just 17.7 points per game. They excel in disguising coverages, which has led to 16 interceptions this season, ranking them fourth nationally. Key defenders include Koi Perch, who leads the team in interceptions, and Cody Lindberg, who has dominated with a team-high in tackles and versatility.
Penn State’s offense will need to navigate this challenging defense, and they may lean heavily on the running game provided by Nicholas Singleton and emerging freshman Corey Smith. The tight end Tyler has also been a vital weapon, capable of impacting the game in multiple facets.
Special Teams:
Minnesota’s kicker Dragan Kesich has demonstrated long-range capability with three field goals of 50+ yards. Punter Mark Crawford averages an impressive 43.4 yards per punt, adding a reliable leg on special teams.
Prediction:
Penn State 28, Minnesota 13 “Penn State vs. Minnesota”
Expect a hard-fought battle as Minnesota aims to pull off an upset against a top-ranked team. The Gophers will be motivated to deliver a significant home win, while Penn State will focus on executing their game plan to secure their place in the playoff conversation. It may be a rocky start for the Nittany Lions, but their offensive capabilities and defensive prowess will likely shine through in the second half. The depth of Penn State’s roster, combined with their execution, should pave the way for a strong finish and a road victory.
