This Nebraska vs Minnesota game carries a lot more weight than it may have ever had. The broken chair rivalry hasn’t really been a rivalry, with Minnesota winning 5 out of the last 6. Even that is a stretch because, in most of the games, it was Nebraska beating itself rather than Minnesota. Now #25 Nebraska looks to become bowl eligible in mid-October for the first time in nearly a decade, they look to beat Minnesota for the first time in years, they look to make a statement, and I believe they will do just that.
Playing Minnesota at home isn’t easy, especially on a short week coming from an away match against another good Big Ten team. It also isn’t easy to beat a team that refuses to lay down and die, which is what this Nebraska team proved over the last few weeks. This Nebraska team needs a real statement game, and I believe that Friday night, Nebraska does just that. Now, Minnesota is no pushover; they bring a sound defense and a top 3 graded special teams. The Gophers boast legitimate NFL talent on their defense, including players like Koi Perch #3 and Anthony Smith #0. Those two guys have definitely been circled in film studies over the last few days. However, those two single players won’t be able to stop a Cornhusker offense that has proven to be among the best in the Big Ten.
I’m expecting Emmett Johnson to have a big game, as this game is personal for him. Minnesota has struggled to stop the run, so I expect they will focus heavily on trying to shut down Nebraska’s emerging run game, which will significantly open up the pass. No matter what they do, they won’t be able to stop the bleeding. Nebraska’s offense has too many weapons to cut up their defense.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Blackshirts match up very well against the Gophers. Right now, Minnesota has a weak running attack, forcing them to throw more than they probably ever have under PJ Fleck. Nebraska boasts one of the best passing defenses not only in the Big Ten but in the country. The Blackshirts will have themselves a night.
Overall, Nebraska has the better offense and defense, and the special teams are closely matched. I predict Nebraska will bring home the Broken Chair, get Minnesota off its back, and do so in a dominant fashion. Nebraska wins its first game as a ranked team in far too long and makes a statement. Cornhuskers win 31-17.