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Game On: Storylines, matchups to watch (and a prediction) for Huskers vs. Gophers | Football








Nebraska wide receiver Samori Toure (3) signals “two” before scoring his second touchdown in the fourth quarter against Buffalo on Sept. 11 at Memorial Stadium.



FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star


Nebraska closes a long stretch of eight consecutive games with a tough one on the road against Minnesota before hitting the first of its two off weeks. Here’s a closer look at how the Huskers and Gophers match up.

How the Huskers light up the scoreboard

1. Stay on schedule. Minnesota’s got one of the best run defenses in the Big Ten, but Nebraska’s got to keep itself in manageable down-and-distance situations in order to control the game.

2. Over the top. Last year, NU got pass-happy against the Gophers. UM does look susceptible in the secondary, and the Huskers will have to hit a couple of big shots, but patience is important, too.

3. Navigate the edge. With freshman LT Teddy Prochazka out for the season, NU will have Turner Corcoran back there and likely Bryce Benhart at RT. Those two struggled early in the season. Can they play better down the stretch?

4. RZ TDs. Nebraska’s been better at finishing drives in recent weeks and its red zone touchdown percentage is up to third in the Big Ten (63.4%). In what could be a low-scoring game, maximizing chances will be critical.

How the Blackshirts shut ’em down

1. Money downs. The Huskers allowed a trio of critical third-down conversions (10, 9 and 8 yards) to Michigan on drives that finished in 17 total points. UM wants to control the clock. That pendulum will swing on third downs.



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