ESPN: National Funding Holiday Bowl early look (How to Beat: Gophers & Cougars)

per ESPN:

How to beat Minnesota: Even after finishing fourth in the Big Ten in scoring this season, the Gophers aren’t really equipped for wide-open shootouts -- particularly if they’re forced to air the football out. Leidner has been an invaluable leader. His toughness isn’t up for debate and he’s never complained despite having some limited resources at the skill positions. But a passing duel with Falk isn’t going to favor him coming off a season that included just seven touchdown passes against 12 interceptions. If the Cougars can slow down Minnesota's rushing attack, they could be in good shape.

How to beat Washington State: There really wasn’t one formula for beating the Cougars, but opposing teams that threw the ball well had the most success. WSU allowed 299 yards passing or more on six occasions and was 2-4 in those games. When the Cougars allowed fewer than that, they were 6-0. Colorado was the only team that beat WSU after emphasizing the rush from the start of the game, and even the Buffaloes averaged just 4.4 yards per carry in that game.

http://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/pos...wl-early-look-minnesota-vs-washington-state-2

Go Gophers!!

We're going to have to throw the ball with success. Would feel better if Lingen was available.

On paper this is a bad matchup for us in that the consensus seems to be that the teams that do well against WSU are ones that can throw the ball fairly well. But anything can happen on game day.

I bet Leach comes out slinging the ball.....trying to build an early lead. Sell out on the pass for the first few drives.

stocker08 said:

I bet Leach comes out slinging the ball.....trying to build an early lead. Sell out on the pass for the first few drives.

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Curious how you came to this conclusion? Did it have anything to do with their QB passing for over 4,000 yards and 37 TDs this season? Pretty sure we are going to have to sell out to stop the pass the entire game. On the flip side you can bet their defense is going to be selling out to stop the run since our QB has passed for half the yardage with only 7 passing TDs.

Game will feature an interesting contrast in offensive styles, will be interesting to see which one wins out.

Gophers fans will have to enjoy the San Diego sunshine and endure the Holiday Bowl thrashing the kids take in the football game. And hey, if by a miracle the kids win, then so much the better. But, at least there's a few days away from the Siberian vortex in the midwest.

MennoSota said:

Gophers fans will have to enjoy the San Diego sunshine and endure the Holiday Bowl thrashing the kids take in the football game. And hey, if by a miracle the kids win, then so much the better. But, at least there's a few days away from the Siberian vortex in the midwest.

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No offense but your attitude sucks. You don't need to share your misery with everyone else.

corcoran1 said:

No offense but your attitude sucks. You don't need to share your misery with everyone else.

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You offend! [emoji41]