Media Prediction Thread: Rutgers at Minnesota

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Really hope this one's wrapped by half time. OL should be able to dominate these guys.
 







Athlon chimes in:

Final Analysis

Minnesota should be able to take care of Rutgers by taking to the air as long as it quarterback is on target. Rutgers may rank third in the Big Ten in passing defense by allowing just 170.4 yards per game, but dig a little deeper and it is easy to see other ways teams have had success against the Scarlet Knights’ defense through the air. No Big Ten team has allowed more touchdown passes (14) or a higher passer rating to opposing quarterbacks this season (137.97). This could be just the recipe the Golden Gophers need to get their passing game back on track.

There is some question as to who will be under center for Minnesota. Senior quarterback Mitch Leidner is still dealing with concussion symptoms and as of Tuesday, he was listed as being out for this game. This could mean Conor Rhoda could make his second career start. The junior helped the Gophers beat Maryland last week 31-10, but only attempted 15 passes thanks to a combined 230 rushing yards from Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks. As long as Rhoda makes smart decisions with the football, Minnesota should have more than enough offense to get by a Rutgers team that ranks 117th in the FBS in scoring defense (37.7 ppg).

Prediction: Minnesota 31, Rutgers 16

http://athlonsports.com/college-foo...ta-golden-gophers-preview-and-prediction-2016

Go Gophers!!
 

Why the hell did two people predict Rutgers to score 16 points?
 



matt said:
Why the hell did two people predict Rutgers to score 16 points?
Click to expand...
Right! Rutgers has s ores 14 points in 3 B1G games and they are going to explode for 16 against us? If they do Tracy needs to go right behind Sawvel.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
 


Off Tackle Empire chimes in:

AY: Word is that the line on this game has dropped below 20 as the status on Minnesota starting quarterback Mitch Leidner is iffy. Either way, I'm taking the Knights to cover. They're not as bad as some people think, having gained more yards than Illinois despite losing by 17 points last week. They pulled the same trick against Iowa before being blown out by the eastern heavyweights. Minnesota 20, Rutgers 10.

Stew: Without Leidner MN just pounds the ball (which is what they should do anyway, but that's another thing). This is far, far too much for Rutgers to stop.

CfB: I'm still not convinced that Minnesota is anything approaching good. Gophers win, Knights cover.

MNW: This week’s edition of the Beth Mowins Special is no prettier than any other one. In fact, it’s uglier, as the mood around the Twin Cities appears to be "Let’s just get this the **** over with." Happy Homecoming, Gophers! Minnesota, 34-7.

http://www.offtackleempire.com/2016...state-penn-state-iowa-wisconsin-betting-lines

Go Gophers!!
 

New Jersey Star Ledger

Steve Politi: Here's the problem as I see it with the change to Gio Rescigno at quarterback. Yes, he provided the Scarlet Knights with a spark in leading them to a rare touchdown in the 24-7 loss to Illinois. But will he be able to avoid the mistakes -- turnovers, misreads, killer sacks, etc. -- that Rutgers will need to win a Big Ten road game? Probably not.

Minnesota running back Rodney Smith, meanwhile, had 144 yards and two touchdowns against Maryland. He'll be tough to stop. Minnesota 41, Rutgers 10

Keith Sargeant: If you simply look at common opponents, it gives Rutgers a glimmer of hope. Like Rutgers, Minnesota lost at home to Iowa by an identical 14-7 score earlier this month. But unlike the reeling Scarlet Knights, the Gophers come in rolling, having thumped Maryland, 31-10, on the road.

Minnesota is strong up front, allowing the fourth fewest rushing yards in the Big Ten and the third fewest sacks among conference teams. I expect Rutgers to struggle in this one much like it did against those physically imposing Wisconsin teams the past two years. Wisconsin combined to outscore Rutgers, 85-10, the past two seasons so ... Minnesota 42, Rutgers 5

Ryan Dunleavy: Rutgers has scored a total of 14 points in four Big Ten games, which is a bigger problem than can be solved with just a quarterback change.

For Rutgers to be more dangerous with Gio Rescigno leading the way, more production is needed out out of running backs Robert Martin and Josh Hicks and wide receiver Andre Patton. Hicks hasn't had a carry in three games, while Patton showed signs of life with five catches for 90 yards against Illinois.

The Scarlet Knights crossed midfield on seven drives against Illinois and managed seven total points. Offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer has tried aggressive and conservative, conventional and trickery, but the players need to demonstrate better ball security. Showing more faith in kicker David Bonagura's range isn't a bad idea, either. Minnesota 31, Rutgers 10

Here's a look at the prediction standings:

1. Politi: 7-0

T2. Dunleavy 6-1

T2. Sargeant 6-1
 

New Jersey reporters chime in:

Gannett New Jersey’s team of college sportswriters pick today’s game:

J.P. Pelzman: Rescigno was the right choice for Ash at this time, with true freshman Tylin Oden still not quite ready to start. But starting his first game on the road against a tough defense will be a difficult task for Rescigno. Minnesota 30, Rutgers 3

Steve Edelson: Gio Rescigno starts at quarterback but the result remains the same, as the Scarlet Knights continue to struggle without a big-time playmaker. It's unclear who starts against Indiana after the Scarlet Knights’ upcoming bye week. Minnesota 40, Rutgers 3

Jerry Carino: Minnesota sports fans should love New Jersey. Look what we've given them over the years: Ed Marinaro, Tom Kelly, Zygi Wilf, Karl-Anthony Towns. And now, victory No. 5 for the Gophers. Look on the bright side: Molloy comes to the RAC in 20 days. Minnesota 24, Rutgers 9

Josh Newman: I hereby declare Rutgers-Minnesota to be “The Phillip Nelson Classic.” Minnesota 31, Rutgers 7

http://www.app.com/story/sports/col...dictions-rutgers-minnesota-football/92577742/

Go Gophers!!
 


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