MICHIGAN STATE vs. MINNESOTA ? November 12th, 12:00 EST
Last week the Golden Gophers came out very flat against an inferior team at Indiana and found themselves down 14-7 at the half before putting up 35 points in the 2nd half and pull out a 42-21 victory. Backup RB Gary Russell started that game for injured Laurence Maroney and impressed with 188 yards and three touchdowns. Russell is now averaging 6.9 yards per carry and has rushed for 882 yards to compliment Maroney?s 1,345 rushing yards and making this rushing tandem the most productive in the country. When these two and QB Brian Cupito are clicking, this offense can be very difficult to contain as demonstrated by the 578 total yards the Gophers accumulated against a stellar Ohio State defense. Michigan State?s defense is not even close to that caliber and with Maroney expected to play today, it could be a very long afternoon for the Spartan defense.
After starting their season with four straight wins, Michigan State stumbled in conference play where they have only beaten Illinois and Indiana. The Spartans must win this game or the game next week against Penn State to even become eligible for a bowl game and the prospect of that happening is not looking too good. The 28-21 upset by Purdue last week marked the only cover for the Boilermakers this year and marked the second consecutive week in which MSU failed to get the money. Since their 4-0 start, the Spartans have lost four out of five and are giving up nearly 30 points per game against Big 10 competition. Their offense is still somehow ranked in the Top 10 in the nation but has been very inconsistent and in their last two losses, the defense has allowed over 200 yards rushing in those games.
The Minnesota offense has compiled at least 545 yards in every home game and their attack is extremely balanced. The Gophers should be able to dominate this Spartan defense that does not match up well at all having allowed Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern and Purdue to all rush for more than 5.0 per carry.
The Verdict: MINNESOTA (-5.5)
Back with more later.
Last week the Golden Gophers came out very flat against an inferior team at Indiana and found themselves down 14-7 at the half before putting up 35 points in the 2nd half and pull out a 42-21 victory. Backup RB Gary Russell started that game for injured Laurence Maroney and impressed with 188 yards and three touchdowns. Russell is now averaging 6.9 yards per carry and has rushed for 882 yards to compliment Maroney?s 1,345 rushing yards and making this rushing tandem the most productive in the country. When these two and QB Brian Cupito are clicking, this offense can be very difficult to contain as demonstrated by the 578 total yards the Gophers accumulated against a stellar Ohio State defense. Michigan State?s defense is not even close to that caliber and with Maroney expected to play today, it could be a very long afternoon for the Spartan defense.
After starting their season with four straight wins, Michigan State stumbled in conference play where they have only beaten Illinois and Indiana. The Spartans must win this game or the game next week against Penn State to even become eligible for a bowl game and the prospect of that happening is not looking too good. The 28-21 upset by Purdue last week marked the only cover for the Boilermakers this year and marked the second consecutive week in which MSU failed to get the money. Since their 4-0 start, the Spartans have lost four out of five and are giving up nearly 30 points per game against Big 10 competition. Their offense is still somehow ranked in the Top 10 in the nation but has been very inconsistent and in their last two losses, the defense has allowed over 200 yards rushing in those games.
The Minnesota offense has compiled at least 545 yards in every home game and their attack is extremely balanced. The Gophers should be able to dominate this Spartan defense that does not match up well at all having allowed Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern and Purdue to all rush for more than 5.0 per carry.
The Verdict: MINNESOTA (-5.5)
Back with more later.
Last edited: