The Blue Raiders welcome just the fourth ever team from a BCS conference into Floyd Stadium when Minnesota comes tomorrow night.
The Golden Gophers may be bigger, in fact a lot bigger, at offensive line but they're greatly inexperienced compared to the Blue Raiders.
I would go as far as to make the Blue Raiders the favorite in this game if it wasn't for the unfortunate suspension of Dwight Dasher.
Here's are some things that could hinder Minnesota's chances against MTSU:
- Inexperienced, especially on defense
- On the road, not use to the humid conditions
- Third offensive coordinator in four years
Those three factors are huge for the chances at the mild upset for the Blue Raiders.
What's really going to be the true test for the Blue Raiders is stopping the run. The offensive line is way bigger than the defensive front of the Blue Riaders and Minnesota has a senior quarterback.
Even though the quarterback is experienced, he's dealing with his third offensive coordinator in his collegiate career.
It's tough to win on the road in college football no matter where you're at, but the heat and the noise will test this young Minnesota team.
The three previous times the Blue Raiders have welcomed in a BCS-conference school they have played competitive football, and they should be 2-1 in those games if not for a fourth quarter meltdown against Virginia in 2007.
This game will be similar in style to the Mississippi State game from last season. The Blue Raiders lost that game in somewhat convincing fashion because the Mississippi State players eventually just overpowered them with their size and strength.
Minnesota is in the bottom half of the Big Ten so the Blue Raiders aren't getting the cream of the crop here.
They're going to commit to the run game. Here's a stat for you: Minnesota is 11-2 in the last two seasons when they rush for at least 100 yards in a game, and 2-11 when they don't.
If the offense can put points on the board consistently and force this Minnesota offense to pass the ball rather than run it up the gut, then the Blue Raiders will have a great chance to win this game.
What's really going to be the true test for the Blue Raiders is stopping the run. The offensive line is way bigger than the defensive front of the Blue Riaders and Minnesota has a senior quarterback.
Even though the quarterback is experienced, he's dealing with his third offensive coordinator in his collegiate career.
It's tough to win on the road in college football no matter where you're at, but the heat and the noise will test this young Minnesota team.
The three previous times the Blue Raiders have welcomed in a BCS-conference school they have played competitive football, and they should be 2-1 in those games if not for a fourth quarter meltdown against Virginia in 2007.
This game will be similar in style to the Mississippi State game from last season. The Blue Raiders lost that game in somewhat convincing fashion because the Mississippi State players eventually just overpowered them with their size and strength.
Minnesota is in the bottom half of the Big Ten so the Blue Raiders aren't getting the cream of the crop here.
They're going to commit to the run game. Here's a stat for you: Minnesota is 11-2 in the last two seasons when they rush for at least 100 yards in a game, and 2-11 when they don't.
If the offense can put points on the board consistently and force this Minnesota offense to pass the ball rather than run it up the gut, then the Blue Raiders will have a great chance to win this game.
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