Minnesota Gopher Football: 3 keys to beating Maryland and how to watch

Two straight wins for the Gophers and a bye week before facing the Terrapins. Will they make it for the third time in a row?

Here’s how to watch

TV: FS1
Time: 2:30
Electricity: FoxSports.com

Will the real Maryland please stand up? Losing home games to Michigan State and Northwestern isn’t great. But coming from behind and beating USC was unexpected. Who will the Gophers face on Saturday and can they win?

3 KEYS

• Stop the passing game – Billy Edwards Jr. is the Big Ten’s leading passer (when passing yards from scrimmage) and as he does, so do the Terps. He’ll complete passes and rack up yards, but the Gopher defense will need to hold him to 250 yards and generate a turnover or two.
• Let the ball run – Maryland actually gives up a ton of passing yards per game and has been solid against the run. But I don’t like our chances if this game turns into a shootout. Run the ball, play physical and dominate the line of scrimmage.
• Have fun – I want to see this team get rolling, have fun and see how it impacts the fans. Approach work with some enthusiasm and confidence.

OPPONENT PLAYERS TO WATCH

• #10 WR – Tai Felton – I mentioned Edwards Jr., but Felton is his main target. A 6-foot-10 senior who leads the Big Ten in receptions and receiving yards.
• #13 DB – Glendon Miller – A hybrid defensive back for the Terps who has four picks this season and is positioning for the draft.

FORECAST

Both teams are near the top of the Big Ten in passing, while both teams struggle to run the ball. The Gophers aren’t built for a shootout, so being the only team on the ground attack is essential.

I think the bye week was good for the program and I expect the offense to have its best game of the season. The Gophers slowly pull away and win with another interception by Koi Perich in the 4th quarter.

Minnesota – 31
Maryland – 21