Gophers Face Tough Test against Michigan State

(by Jonathan Lewis MSU Contributor)

The Gopher football team faces its toughest opponent of the season when #21 Michigan State travels to Minnesota to take on the Gophers. The Spartans are 4-1 so far this year and already have a huge win over Michigan on their resume. The Gophers are attempting to beat the Spartans for the first time since 2009 and are also coming off back-to-back losses to start off their Big 10 schedule.

            Keys to victory: The Gophers are going to need to get some type of offensive balance in order to pull off a win against Michigan State. Connor Rhoda struggled for the second consecutive game while the Gopher running attack was able to hit the open holes all game long. In order for the Gophers to get their first Big 10 win they will need to be patient against a very physical Spartans defense and in a game where the offense will likely be frustrated most of the day, they need to convert on opportunities when they arise. Rhoda and Tyler Johnson displayed good chemistry in the non-conference portion of the schedule, but things haven’t gone as well so far in Big 10 play. If Rhoda and Johnson can find their rhythm once again that will help the Gophers stretch the field and put points on the board. The Gopher defense is under the most pressure heading into this matchup. With several defensive starters banged up and an offense that likes to throw the ball coming in, someone will need to step up and make a play. The Gophers need to get off the field on defense as much as possible by limiting long drives. And that comes down to being able to force the Spartans into 3^rd and long situations.

            Spartan to watch: Quarterback Brian Lewerke is a dual threat for Michigan State with his arm and legs and actually leads the Spartans in rushing. As with any mobile quarterback the Gophers need to keep him in the pocket and prevent him from extending plays. The Gopher secondary, while banged up, must come to play if the Gophers are going to be able to succeed on defense. Time will tell, but my guess is the Gophers rally after starting their conference schedule 0-2. They may not get the win in the end but they will make a game out of it, and give the Spartans a little fight at home.