Heading into the game, ESPN’s FPI is projecting Minnesota as a heavy home favorite in the opener. The system predicts the Gophers with a 67.3% chance of starting the season 1-0 with Nebraska likely to lose its first game under Rhule.
We will see if the Huskers can keep things close, but the current FPI projection likely has to do with Minnesota’s status as a program under Fleck and the early rebuild for Nebraska. The Gophers have already announced a sell-out and a “Gold Out” for fans in attendance Thursday night.