The Minnesota Gophers have faced plenty of adversity this season. Most recently, they are coming off of 2 straight losses that they should have won. There are still 2 regular season games left to turn the season back around. Indiana is the worst team in the Big Ten at 0-7 in the conference, as well as being one of the worst Power-5 teams in the nation.
The Hoosiers have lost 18 players to season ending injuries and will be starting their 3rd String QB, as their 1st and 2nd String QBs are dealing with injuries. The Gophers are better in every category and will likely rely on the run in this game just like they have been doing all season. The passing game doesn't seem to have any hope, but this would be the logical game to get some momentum figured out in the passing game before we head home to play Wisconsin in the regular season finale. I mentioned my thoughts on what the main problem has been with the passing offense, but QB Tanner Morgan is a veteran and does need to take some blame. There have been some many plays this year where he has just completely missed his WRs and his accuracy has been horrendous. The entire state of Minnesota would love to season Morgan finish these final 3 games (2 regular season games and 1 bowl game) of his career on a high note, leading the Gophers to a 3-0 finish, bringing the Axe back, and capping it off with wonderful bowl victory. I still think the path to finish 3-0 is going to be reliant on the running game and defense to play top notch because I don't think the passing game is going to be fixed while OC Mike Sanford is on the coaching staff.
The Gophers run game and defense is going to be dominant this game and, coming in as 7.5 point favorites, I think the Gophers will have no problem beating Indiana 34-10. If they let the Hoosiers stick around in this game, it could get dicey. Indiana hasn't won a single game in the Big Ten this year, they have 6 losses to Top-20 teams, and it is Senior Day for them. A desperate team with nothing to lose is not a team you want to let stick around. Hopefully the Gophers can make an early statement and put this game away right from the start!
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