October 10, 2019 - Game Day Edition

GAME DAY PREVIEW

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Thursday, October 10, 2019

GAME DAY

PREVIEW TABLE OF CONTENTS

Game Day Preview Fall 2019

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Daily Breakdown: Minnesota looks for revenge against Nebraska Depth charts for the Minnesota Gophers and Nebraska Cornhuskers

Last Time: Nebraska and Minnesota’s previous match-up

Quick Hitters: Gophers put together a complete performance in rout of Illinois Question from the Other Side: Lincoln Journal Star reporter Parker Gabriel

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Thursday, October 10, 2019

the Daily

BREAKDOWN

Minnesota Gophers vs. Nebraska Huskers Minnesota looks for revenge after getting beat handily by Nebraska last year.

BY JOHN MILLER jmiller@mndaily.com

Off to a 5-0 start for the first time in 15 years, the Gophers look to reverse the fortune of last year’s game against Nebraska when they lost 53-28 in Lincoln.

The Gophers face a Cornhusker team that is 4-2 and coming off a low-scoring 13-10 win over Northwestern.

After a hot start, the Gophers haven’t seen recognition from the AP Poll, sitting right outside the top-25. However, the Gophers are ranked 25th in the AP Coaches Poll. A win over Nebraska and a 6-0 start should help the Gophers continue to move up the ranks.

When Minnesota runs the ball: Minnesota is coming off a game where they had an amazing amount of success rushing the ball. Against Illinois last week, the Gophers averaged 6.4 yards per carry on 52 rushes for 332 yards.

With Shannon Brooks back in the fold

Head Coach P.J. Fleck speaks to his team at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 5.

(Jasmin Kemp / Minnesota Daily)

after missing most of last season with an injury, he shook off the rust in his second game back this season. He had 16 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown. Starting running back Rodney Smith regained the form we have seen throughout his six years as a Gopher. He finished with 24 carries for 211 yards, averaging 8.8 yards per rush.

Despite the display on the ground last week, the Gophers are still averaging under 4 yards per carry on the ground.

They will get an extra boost as last year’s star running back Mohamed Ibrahim is expected to return this week from injury for the Gophers.

Nebraska’s run defense currently ranks 82nd in the country. On the year, they are allowing 4.05 yards per carry and 165.3 yards rushing per game.

Matchup to watch: linebacker Mohamed Barry vs. running back Rodney Smith Advantage: Gophers When Nebraska runs the ball: The Cornhuskers have had a lot of success when running the ball. Currently, Nebraska’s rushing game ranks No. 42 in the country. They are averaging 4.43 yards per carry and 196.3 yards per game.

Nebraska’s running attack starts with dual-threat quarterback Adrian Martinez.

Martinez is the No. 8 ranked rusher in the Big Ten. Behind him is junior running back Dedrick Mills, who is averaging 4.8 yards per carry on the year and has six rushing touchdowns, as well as sophomore Maurice Washington who is averaging 6.3 yards per carry on the ground.

Minnesota is tied for the No. 33 ranked rushing defense. Despite that, opponents’ starting running backs have had success on the Gophers, averaging over four yards per carry.

Matchup to watch: linebacker Kamal Martin vs. running back Dedrick Mills.

Advantage: Nebraska When Minnesota passes the ball: Minnesota has had lots of success through the air. However, Minnesota’s offense is

Defensive backs Kiondre Thomas and Jordan Howden hold up their fists at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 5. The Gophers defeated Illinois 40 to 17 to bring their record to 5-0. (Jasmin Kemp / Minnesota Daily)

coming off of a game against Illinois where they struggled. Gopher receivers accounted for six drops last week.

Tanner Morgan has had a blistering start to the season. On the year his completion percentage is 70.3%, 17th best in the country. He is ranked fourth in the NCAA for passing efficiency with a rating of 198.10, only behind Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts, LSU’s Joe Burrow and Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa.

Morgan has a bevy of weapons on the outside with Tyler Johnson, Rashod Bateman and Chris Autman-Bell. Bateman is amidst a breakout campaign. He is currently in the top 10 for receiving yards per game.

Nebraska’s defense is susceptible in the passing game. They are the 60th ranked pass defense in the country, allowing 218 yards per game.

Matchup to watch: Wide receiver Rashod Bateman vs. cornerback Lamar Jackson.

Advantage: Minnesota When Nebraska passes the ball: Nebraska not only has the 60th ranked pass defense, their pass offense ranks 84th in

the country as well.

Don’t be fooled however, the low ranking is due to quarterback Adrian Martinez being able to get yards with his legs. Nebraska is averaging 219.3 yards per game through the air.

An Eden Prairie native, junior wide receiver J.D. Spielman is a rising star for the Cornhuskers. He is tied for the 36th ranked wide receiver in receiving yards.

Minnesota’s pass defense ranks 41st in the country, allowing 200.8 yards per game. Last week Minnesota defense shut down Illinois.

Illini Backup quarterback Matt Robinson only threw for 125 yards Matchup to watch: J.D. Spielman vs. cornerback Coney Durr.

Advantage: Nebraska u Prediction: Gophers win 45-31

Everything else you need to know: Starting time: 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12 TV Network: FS1 Radio: KFAN 100.3 FM Line: Minnesota by 7.5

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Thursday, October 10, 2019

MINNESOTA’S DEPTH CHART MINNESOTA COACHES

OFFENSE

P.J. Fleck Matt Simon Kirk Ciarrocca

QB

Ed Warinner Jahmile Addae Joseph Rossi Robb Smith Kenni Burns Clay Patterson Rob Wenger Gerrit Chernoff

Head Coach Wide Receivers Coach Offensive Coordinator Quarterbacks Coach Offensive Line Coach Defensive Backs Coach Defensive Line Coach Defensive Coordinator Linebackers Coach Running Backs Coach Tight Ends Coach Special Teams Coordinator Outside Linebackers Coach General Manager

SPECIAL TEAMS K P LS KR PR H

38 34 47 46 37 39 1 24 82 11 47 46 14

Michael Lantz (5-11, 180, Fr.) Brock Walker (5-10, 200, R-Fr.) Jacob Herbers (6-2, 215, R-Sr.) Alex Melvin (6-4, 200, Grad) Brady Weeks (6-20, 215, Fr.) Michael Vojvodich (6-3, 220, R-Fr.) Rodney Smith (5-11, 210, R-Sr.) OR Mohamed Ibrahim (5-10, 210, R-So.) Demetrius Douglas (6-0, 190, R-Fr.) OR Antoine Winfield Jr. (5-10, 205, R-So.) Jacob Herbers (6-2, 215, R-Sr.) Alex Melvin (6-4, 200, Grad) Casey O’Brien (6-1, 175, R-So.)

TB

TE

WR WR

WR LT LG

C RG

RT

2 14 15 1 24 21 3 80 42 85 88 13 17 7 82 83 6 18 70 79 77 60 67 64 60 51 60 67 78 74

Tanner Morgan (6-2, 215, R-So.) Cole Kramer (6-1, 195, Fr.) OR Jacob Clark (6-5, 220, Fr.) Rodney Smith (5-11, 210, R-Sr.) OR Mohamed Ibahim (5-10, 210, R-So.) Bryce Williams (6-0, 205, So.) OR Cam Wiley (6-2, 205, Fr.) Jake Paulson (6-4, 260, R-So.) Ko Kieft (6-4, 255, R-Jr.) OR Bryce Witham (6-4, 255, R-Jr.) OR Breyvin Spann-Ford Rashod Bateman (6-2, 210, So.) Seth Green (6-4, 240, R-Jr.) OR Chris Autman-Bell (6-1, 215, R-So.) OR Demetrius Douglas (6-0, 195, R-So.) Harry Van Dyne (6-5, 215, R-So.) Tyler Johnson (6-2, 205, Sr.) Clay Geary (5-10, 190, R-So.) Sam Schlueter (6-6, 325, R-Jr.) Jason Dickson (6-6, 320, R-Jr.) Blaise Andries (6-6, 325, R-So.) John Michael Schmitz (6-4, 315, R-So.) Nate Umlor (6-5, 300, R-So.) Conner Olson (6-5, 305, R-Jr.) John Michael Schmitz (6-4, 300, R-Fr.) Curtis Dunlap Jr. (6-5, 370, Fr.) John Michael Schmitz (6-4, 300, R-Fr.) Nate Umlor (6-5, 300, R-So.) Daniel Faalele (6-9, 400, So.) Kyle Sassack (6-7, 315, R-So.)

DEFENSE DE DT DT

DE

LB LB

DB

DB DB DB DB

46 9 90 19 18 52 91 45 12 34 41 55 21 8 14 16 4 2 31 20 6 26 11 1 23 27 22

Winston DeLattiboudere (6-3, 250, R-Sr.) Esezi Otomewo (6-6, 275, R-So.) Sam Renner (6-4, 270, R-Jr.) Keonte Schad (6-3, 295, Jr.) Micah Dew-Treadway (6-4, 315, Grad.)

Jamaal Teague (6-3, 305, Fr.) OR Noah Hickcox (6-4, 295, R-So.) Carter Coughlin (6-4, 245, Sr.) Tai’yon Devers (6-4, 245, Jr.) OR Boye Mafe (6-4, 260, R-So.) Thomas Barber (6-1, 235, Jr.) Mariano Sori-Marin (6-3, 245, So.) Kamal Martin (6-3, 245, Sr.) Thomas Rush (6-3, 230, Fr.) OR Braelen Oliver (6-0, 225, Fr.) Coney Durr (5-10, 200, R-Jr.) OR Terell Smith (6-1, 200, So.) Phillip Howard (5-11, 195, R-Jr.) Kiondre Thomas (6-0, 190, R-Jr.) OR Benjamin St-Juste (6-3, 200, Grad.)

Chris Williamson (6-0, 205, R-Sr.) Justus Harris (5-10, 180, So.) Antoine Winfield Jr. (5-10, 205, R-So.) OR Calvin Swenson (6-1, 215, R-Jr.) Jordan Howden (5-11, 200, So.) Tyler Nubin (6-2, 205, Fr.) OR Benny Sapp III (6-1, 205, So.)

*Depth chart accurate as of October 2 Courtesy of Gophers Athletics

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Thursday, October 10, 2019

NEBRASKA’S DEPTH CHART SPECIAL TEAMS PK P LS

KR

PR H

48 99 98 99 92 38 94 1 28 14 10 5 1 98 16

Lane McCallum (6-2, 220, So.) Will Przystup (6-4, 250, R-Fr.) Isaac Armstrong (5-11, 215, Sr.) Will Przystup (6-4, 250, R-Fr.) Chase Urbach (6-3, 215, Sr.) Damian Jackson (6-2, 275, So.) Cade Mueller (6-0, 230, R-Fr.) Wan-Dale Robinson (5-10, 190, Fr.) Maurice Washington (6-1, 190, So.) OR Rahmir Johnson (5-10, 180, Fr.) JD Spielman (5-9, 1980, Jr.) Cam Taylor-Britt (6-0, 215, So.) Wan-Dale Robinson (5-10, 190, Fr.) Isaac Armstrong (5-11, 215, Sr.) Noah Vedral (6-1, 200, So.)

OFFENSE QB

RB

TE

WR

WR

WR

LT LG C RG RT

2 16 7 28 26 37 14 86 11 82 9 19 13 1 22 81 10 4 8 76 73 75 50 51 68 56 70 71 54

Adrian Martinez (6-2, 225, So.) Noah Vedral (6-1, 200, So.) Luke McCaffrey (6-2, 200, Fr.) Maurice Washington (5-11, 210, So.) OR Dedrick Mills (5-11, 220, Jr.) Wyatt Mazour (5-9, 200, Sr.) OR Rahmir Johnson (5-10, 180, Fr.) Jack Stoll (6-4, 260, Jr.) Austin Allen (6-8, 250, So.) OR Kurt Rafdal (6-7, 245, So.) Kanawai Noa (6-0, 200, Sr.) Mike Williams (5-10, 180, So.) OR Darien Chase (6-1, 200, Fr.) Wan-Dale Robinson (5-10, 190, Fr.) Miles Jones (5-8, 175, R-Fr.) OR Kade Warner (6-1, 2150, So.) JD Spielman (5-9, 180, Jr.) Jaevon McQuitty (6-0, 200, So.) OR Jaron Woodyard (5-11, 185, Sr.) Brenden Jaimes (6-6, 300, Jr.) Broc Bando (6-5, 310, So.) Trent Hixson (6-4, 310, So.) John Raridon (6-4, 315, Jr.) Cameron Jurgens (6-3, 285, R-Fr.) Will Farniok (6-3, 295, R-Fr.) Boe Wilson (6-3, 300, Jr.) Matt Sichterman (6-4, 315, So.) Matt Farniok (6-6, 335, Jr.) Bryce Benhart (6-9, 295, So.)

DEFENSE DE NG DE OL B IL B IL B OL B N CB

S

S

CB

96 97 79 93 94 95 22 43 31 3 7 53 28 2 44 13

Carlos Davis (6-2, 320, Sr.) Deontre Thomas (6-3, 295, So.) Darrion Daniels (6-4, 325, Sr.) Damion Daniels (6-3, 340, So.) Khalil Davis (6-2, 315, Sr.) OR Ben Stille (6-5, 295, Jr.) Alex Davis (6-5, 250, Sr.) Tyrin Ferguson (6-2, 230, Sr.) Collin Miller (6-3, 245, Jr.) OR Will Honas (6-1, 225, Jr.) Mohamed Barry (6-1, 245, Sr.) Joseph Johnson (6-3, 240, R-Fr.) OR Luke Reimer (6-1, 220, Fr.) Caleb Tannor (6-2, 220, So.) Garrett Nelson (6-3, 260, Fr.) JoJo Domann (6-1, 235, Jr.)

21 12 25 19 49 30 5 6 36 23 17

Lamar Jackson (6-3, 215, Sr.) Quinton Newsome (6-2, 180, Fr.) Tony Butler (6-2, 220, Jr.) Marquel Dismike (6-2, 215, Jr.) Isaiah Stalbird (6-0, 210, R-Fr.) Eli Sullivan (6-2, 215, Jr.) Cam Taylor-Britt (6-0, 215, So.) Eric Lee Jr. (6-0, 215, Sr.) Reid Karel (6-3, 215, Sr.) Dicaprio Bootle (5-10, 195, Jr.) Braxton Clark (6-4, 210, R-Fr.)

*Depth chart accurate as of October 9 Courtesy of University of Nebraska Athletics

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Last Time...

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Nebraska and Minnesota’s previous match-up Nebraska dominated the Gophers for their first win under Scott Frost in 2018.

BY JOHN MILLER jmiller@mndaily.com

Final: 53-28 Nebraska over Minnesota The last time these two teams met, Nebraska dominated from the get-go, giving Scott Frost his first win as the head coach of the Cornhuskers. This was also the game where Tanner Morgan took over at quarterback after an injury to Zack Annexstad.

Morgan has been the starter for the Gophers since.

Nebraska jumped out to an early 14-0 lead over Minnesota and never looked back. The Gophers had trouble stopping the now-Jacksonville Jaguar Devine Ozigbo. He scored the first two touchdowns for Nebraska on 40- and 59-yard runs.

That theme continued throughout the game, as Nebraska ran all over the then-Robb Smith-led Gopher defense. The Cornhuskers would finish the game with an eye-popping 383 yards rushing on 43 attempts, 8.9 yards per carry. Ozigbo would finish the game with 152 yards on the ground, quarterback Adrian Martinez rushed for 125 and Maurice Washington ran for 109.

At one point in the game, the Gophers had a chance to make a comeback. After jumping to a 28-0 lead over Minnesota, Nebraska let the Gophers rally back in the third quarter.

Seth Green had a 4-yard touchdown run in the middle of the quarter to cut the Nebraska lead down to six, scoring 22 unanswered points to make the score 28-22.

It was all Nebraska after that. Adrian Martinez would go on to throw two touchdown passes and the Cornhuskers would score the next 18 points to make the score 46-22. Overshadowed by the dominance of the run game, the passing clinic that Martinez put on the Gophers defense. He finished the game completing 25 of 29 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns.

Of note for the Gophers, Morgan finished the game 11 of 16 for 214 yards passing, in his first real playing time in his career. It was the Gophers’ run game that struggled immensely. On 36 rushing attempts, the

Gophers only ran for 125 yards on 3.5 yards per rush. Mohamed Ibrahim was shut down by the Nebraska defense as he finished the game with 18 carries for 49 yards, averaging 2.7 yards per carry.

Quotables from the game: “Schematically, they stretch you out … they put a lot of strain on a lot of different areas,” Fleck said. “So the one thing you have to do is tackle, and if can you are going to tackle in space, you can usually limit them, but they get you in so many scenarios where you have to make a tackle or that guy misses, and it’s a 50-yard play.”

“I saw from Martinez exactly what you saw from Martinez,” Fleck said. “I think he’s one of the best players in the country already.”

“Congratulations to Coach Frost,” Fleck said. “It’s a big deal, everybody remembers your first. This team should be 5-1 or 4-2.”

Top, running back Shannon Brooks carries the ball on Saturday, Oct. 5.

The Gophers defeated Illinois 40-17 bringing their record to 5-0. (Sydni Rose / Minnesota Daily) Left, Goldy enters the field at TCF Bank Stadium.

(Jasmin Kemp / Minnesota Daily)

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Thursday, October 10, 2019

Quick Hitters

Gophers put together a complete performance in rout of Illinois Minnesota excelled on offense, defense and special teams in 40-17 victory.

BY NICK JUNGHEIM njungheim@mndaily.com

For the first time all season, Minnesota emerged from a game victorious while avoiding drama in the final minutes when they defeated Illinois 40-17 last Saturday.

The Gophers improved to 5-0 (2-0 Big Ten) in 2019, extended their overall winning streak to seven games and defeated an opponent by more than a touchdown margin, something they hadn’t accomplished yet in 2019. Paving the way to victory was an offensive line that allowed running backs Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks to combine for 323 yards on the afternoon.

Minnesota’s defense atoned for last season’s defeat to Illinois in which they allowed 55 points and 646 total yards. This season’s performance represented a complete turnaround, as the Illini mustered just three offensive points, only reaching the end zone on two defensive return touchdowns.

It was over when: Smith capped an eight-play 75-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run with 12:48 to go in the game. It was Minnesota’s third touchdown of the second half and extended the Gophers’ lead to 37-17, a margin insurmountable for Illinois’ stagnant offense.

Key play: On the first play from scrimmage of the second half, quarterback Tanner Morgan, who went 4-12 passing in the first half, connected with sophomore Rashod Bateman for a 59-yard reception. That play set up a 10-yard touchdown from redshirt sophomore Chris Autman-Bell three plays later which gave Minnesota a 13-point advantage.

Five obser vations: 1. The backs are back.

After missing the majority of last season with injuries, it finally appears that Smith and Brooks are back at full health.

Both redshirt seniors ran with power last Saturday, shedding off tackles and fighting for extra yards. Smith’s 211 yards were the most by any Minnesota running back in a conference game since 2005, while Brooks carried the ball 16 times for 111 yards in only his second football game since Oct. 26, 2018.

2. Run blocking looked.

Through the first four games of the year, Minnesota averaged only 2.6 yards per rush. In response, head coach P.J. Fleck and offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca decided to start rotating redshirt sophomore John Michael Schmitz in at center for some drives, a move that seemed to energize the team’s run blocking. Tight ends Jake Paulson and Ko Kieft also played well, consistently setting the edge on outside runs.

3. Tanner Morgan continues to prove his resiliency.

Early in Saturday’s contest, Morgan threw an interception right into the hands of Illinois linebacker Dele Harding, who returned the pass for a touchdown. After completing a Big Ten record 21 of 22 passes against Purdue, Morgan started just 1-7 for six yards last week. However, he went 5-5 for 105 yards in the second half, taking advantage of an Illinois defense that began stacking the box to stop the run.

4. The defense is playing with something to prove.

Although Minnesota players insisted they weren’t thinking about last season’s defeat to Illinois, it certainly appeared they had something to prove on Saturday. The defense never allowed the Illini’s offense to reach the end zone and star running back Reggie Corbin was held to 68 rushing yards. Now, the question becomes, can the Gophers turn in a similar performance next week against a Nebraska team that in 2018 scored 53 points and totaled 659 yards of offense against Minnesota?

5. Herbers continues to impress.

Punter Jacob Herbers has proven himself to be an asset on special teams throughout the past two seasons. He may

not have the most powerful leg, averaging 40.6 yards per punt this season, but he was awarded Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors after placing two punts inside the 2-yard line against Purdue.

Against Illinois, he once again pinned the opposing offense deep in its own territory with a first-quarter punt that was downed at the 5-yard line.

Top, fans cheer at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 5. Bottom, the Gophers celebrate a win at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 5. They defeated Illinois 40 to 17 to bring their record to 5-0. (Jasmin Kemp / Minnesota Daily)

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Thursday, October 10, 2019

QUESTIONS from the OTHER SIDE

Lincoln Journal Star football reporter Parker Gabriel The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, reporter gives a preview of the Huskers.

BY NICK JUNGHEIM njungheim@mndaily.com

To preview the Gophers’ upcoming game against Nebraska, the Minnesota Daily chatted with Parker Gabriel of the Lincoln Journal Star.

Leading into the game, the top stor y line is the health of quarterback Adrian Mar tinez and wide receiver J.D. Spielman. What’s the latest on those two?

Neither of them are seriously injured, which obviously that’s good news for Nebraska. We know that Adrian Martinez didn’t practice on Monday. We weren’t able to see at the end of practice [Tuesday] whether he practiced but we know Adrian Martinez didn’t practice on Monday. If he can’t play, Noah Vedral, who’s a sophomore, will be the starter. As for J.D. Spielman, he was walking better than Martinez after the game on Saturday against Northwestern. He was limping but that didn’t seem like a serious injury from the start. We don’t know exactly what his status is but on the surface it certainly appeared that his injury was not as serious as Adrian Martinez’s.

Regardless of whether Spielman and Martinez play, who are some other guys to watch for on Nebraska’s offense?

At this point, you start with true freshman Wan’Dale Robinson. He plays what we call the “Duck R,” it’s sort of that position that Chip Kelly made famous at Oregon with guys like De’Anthony Thomas. It’s a slot basically; he’s a receiver/running back. He’s seen his touches. He had 17 total touches in Nebraska’s first three games and in their last three he has 51 touches. His usage has really been increased, he’s made a lot of big plays.

He is really hard to tackle in space and he’s got pretty good speed.

What’s Nebraska’s defensive gameplan to stop Minnesota’s offense?

It’s two-fold. Nebraska has a lot of confidence in its secondary which is a change from recent years. This is the best secondary that Nebraska’s had at least in the past three or four years. They really like their corners,

Running back Rodney Smith carries the ball at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 5. The Gophers defeated Illinois 40 to 17 to bring their record to 5-0. (Jasmin Kemp / Minnesota Daily)

senior Lamar Jackson and junior Dicaprio Bootle. Their safety play has been more consistent the last couple of weeks. I think Nebraska they think they can hold up in the secondary against a really talented Minnesota set of receivers. The pass rush is of vital importance. If Tanner Morgan has time to sit and survey, you’re not just going to cover Rashod Bateman for four seconds. I think the pass rush is important for Nebraska, it’s been hit-or-miss. There have been periods where they’ve gotten good pressure and there have been swaths of games too where they haven’t.

What are the keys for Nebraska if they are going to win on Saturday?

I think the turnover battle, that’s nothing new. When Nebraska beat Illinois on the road by four points but had to come from behind, between that game and then the loss to Ohio

State, Nebraska turned the ball over seven times and I think they only forced one. So minus six over two games, that’s very rarely going to get it done. Last week, they played their first turnover-free game of the season against Northwestern. They only forced one but it came with a minute left to set up the game-winning drive.

What do you make of the job head coach Scott Frost has gone at Nebraska so far and how close are the Cornhuskers to competing for a Big Ten title?

Scott Frost said you’re never as far along as you want to be. It really depends on how you look at it. Nebraska started 0-6 last year, first time in school history in Scott Frost’s first season. Minnesota last year was Frost’s first win here. Beginning with that game,

they’re 8-4 since then. With the offense at times looking prolific, but it’s been inconsistent to where people don’t feel great about where they’re at right now, even though they’ve already matched their win total from the last two seasons. I don’t know if they will challenge for the West Division this year. I think this week will go a long way towards determining that.

Speed Round: 1. Best offensive player: Wan’Dale Robinson, receiver 2. Best defensive player: Cam Taylor-Britt, defensive back 3. Under-the-radar player: Collin Miller, linebacker 4. Nebraska’s final record: 7-5 5. Game prediction: 28-27 Minnesota