The Wildcats finally let their fans relax a little bit, by actually winning a game in regulation for the first time since October 14. The Gophers won their first game, period, since October 21, a resounding win over Nebraska that I did not think their offense was capable of. The Gophers got a boost with a touchdown on the opening kickoff, but there was nothing fluky about the 54 points they put up, tallying 514 yards of offense from a unit that had been averaging over 200 yards per game less than that. Demry Croft finally looked like the guy we saw in relief in the Michigan State game over a month ago. He only threw for 105 yards, but did so on 9-15 passing, with no picks, and finally showed just how dangerous he could be running the ball, with 183 yards on only 10 carries, with 3 touchdowns. The Gophers across the board were able to run the ball like they've wanted to all year, but haven't been able to with their offensive line issues, totaling 409 rushing yards on 9.1 yards per carry. Perhaps scarier for Northwestern is how solid AGAINST the run the Gophers defense was, totally shutting down the Huskers albeit limited ground attack. Justin Jackson's shaky season continued, with only 46 rushing yards on 1.8 ypc, and his 3 catches for 5 yards didn't help. Jackson, who was expected to be an all-conference candidate, has failed to hit 100 yards in 5 of 7 Big Ten games, and has hit 70 yards in less than half. Thorson's accuracy problems, which had largely disappeared this year, reared their head again last week. Considering the types of throws he is asked to make, having back to back games hovering around 55% can't happen. He at least avoided the interceptions that nearly cost them the Nebraska game. I'm hesitant to read too much into the Gophers' offensive explosion last week. Nebraska's defense is a complete train wreck. I mentioned Jackson's struggles in Big Ten play, and he had a big game against Nebraska too. Northwestern's run defense has been a whole other animal, 2nd in the Big Ten allowing only 89.3 ypc. Hell, even Wisconsin only barely cracked triple digits against them. You want to beat Northwestern, you have to throw on them. Minnesota can't do that.
NORTHWESTERN 30, MINNESOTA 17
