Minnesota Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020 season

Game 7: vs. Northwestern

Like Purdue, Northwestern is another dark-horse in the conference. Only with Northwestern, it’s the entire offense. The Wildcat offense averaged 12.7 points per game in conference play including a three game stretch in which they scored six total points.

Last season Northwestern managed to score 22 points against Minnesota, but it was an ugly 22 as a safety helped add a couple extra points and a garbage time touchdown with two minutes left down by 22 points assisted in upping that total. Northwestern was held to just 223 yards of total offense.

Northwestern won’t suddenly become a potent 30 point per game defense, but they could at least become competent enough to keep them in a few games.

Unfortunately, this won’t be one of those games. The Minnesota defense will be too much for Northwestern to overcome. Northwestern once again may not reach 250 yards of offense.

Prediction: Northwestern 12, Minnesota 34 (7-0)

Game 8: at Nebraska

Nebraska is going to be the prime example of “don’t judge a team by their record.” Nebraska’s schedule is absolutely loaded. While Minnesota misses Ohio State and Penn State in the crossover, Nebraska managed to pull both.

Minnesota closes the season against a program that similar to the opener against Michigan, Nebraska consistently fails to live up to expectations, particularly last season.

Nebraska does have a great quarterback in Adrian Martinez. Martinez appeared poised for a Heisman run prior to last season, but a combination of poor team play and injuries — each directly correlating to the other — brought that to a screeching halt.

Scott Frost was the coaching darling when he came home to Nebraska, but it’s not out of the question that he may be fighting for his job in this game. Coming into this game with a 2-5 record is a real possibility.

If that’s the case, a Nebraska team playing its finale at home with nothing to lose could be the spark for the upset to happen.

But like so many other Minnesota rivals this year, the Gophers have too much talent all over the field. This game will be statement to Ohio State: you better be ready for PJ Fleck and crew.

Prediction: Minnesota 43, Nebraska 27 (8-0)