MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 03: Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman TJ Bush Jr. (3) celebrates pressuring Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) which lead to an interception during the second half to the college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 3rd, 2026, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 03: Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman TJ Bush Jr. (3) celebrates pressuring Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) which lead to an interception during the second half to the college football game between the Michigan Wolverines and the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 3rd, 2026, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images · Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Minnesota is riding a 2-game losing streak and heading to Happy Valley to face the Nittany Lions.

How to Watch
TV: FS1
Time: 6:00
Stream: FoxSports.com

A game that doesn’t look to be quite as challenging as one might have expected at the beginning of the season. Penn State started the Big Ten season losing their first four games before bouncing back with wins over Purdue and Washington. Can Minnesota find a way to get a road win and add the Governor’s Bell to their trophy case?

KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN

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Have to find a way to run the ball – I was very tempted to say that the real key on offense is to find some sort of an identity. But if we don’t have an identity after nine games, we aren’t finding it this week. Instead the plea is to find a way to gain some yards on the ground. Penn State’s rush defense is near the bottom of the Big Ten and one would think there’s opportunity here.

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Eliminate big plays – We know that the offense has eliminated big plays from their arsenal, can the defense take away the big plays that have plagued them the last two games. Make Penn State earn every first down and every point.

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Special teams be special – We might need special teams to score in this one, unless the offense finds its footing.

OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH

  • #0 WR – Chase Sowell – The Iowa State transfer had a good year, last season in Ames. But he has blown up this year in Happy Valley
  • #13 LB – Tony Rojas – The junior linebacker leads the Nittany Lions in tackles, sacks and interceptions. He ranks third in the Big Ten in TFLs and is the most dangerous defensive player on the Penn State defense.

PREDICTION

There is always one game where something happens that you never expected. Kind of like when Purdue rushed for 300 yards in a game after being one of the worst ground games in the country. Maybe, just maybe, this is the week that the Gopher offense unexpectedly moves the ball and scores some points.

But I cannot predict that this is what is going to happen. I have faith that the defense will keep Penn State in check and the special teams will do their part. And I am not impressed with Penn State this season, but I cannot predict a Gopher win.

Minnesota – 20
Penn State – 23

Source: Yahoo Sports