Football Penn State vs Minnesota Game Week / Gameday Thread

[Richie O]

Penn State Football opens as 14.5-point favorites versus Minnesota this week. The over / under is set at 47.5 points per FanDuel.

Penn State vs. Minnesota: Nittany Lions open as sizeable favorite

Penn State is a two-touchdown favorite against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in week 13.

pennstate.rivals.com

 

[tboyer]

Minnesota is not the Minnesota of 2019, and PSU is a more complete team than the PSU of 2019.

They have had good wins against USC and IL. Lost to Rutgers.

Gophers are not explosive. Only scored over 30 against Maryland and Rhode Island. Their running game is meh, their passing game is mostly quick short throws because they don't pass protect all that well. They've given up 23 sacks this year and PSU will probably add to this total -- especially now that Dennis-Sutton is back.

If PSU starts slow, it could be 4th quarter game like Wisconsin but if PSU is sharp offensively early, it could get away from Minnesota because they don't look explosive.

They are coming off the bye week so there's a little wild card there -- they will have some trick plays prepared. Otherwise it could look like a lot of the B1G games this year. PSU is stronger at the LOS and will wear them down.

 

[knickslions]

Penn State has won 31 in a row as td or greater favorite. Number 32 is coming

 

[WaffleShopper]

Purdue Minnesota is a good football team. They've had some bad luck, but they can play with anybody. They are very well-coached and they play with a lot of fire and determination. They have a bunch of good kids over there. #45 #1 is a real good kid, tough, hard to tackle, the whole bit. #31 #45 on defense is a real hard-nosed player and a great athlete. We better be ready to play or we're going to get licked.

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Penn State vs. Minnesota: Nittany Lions open as sizeable favorite

Penn State is a two-touchdown favorite against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in week 13.

pennstate.rivals.com

 

[bison13]

Yes, should be a win, but they did have a buy week so they’re healthier and I’ve been able to game plan for two weeks. Will not be easy.

 

[indynittany]

Purdue Minnesota is a good football team. They've had some bad luck, but they can play with anybody. They are very well-coached and they play with a lot of fire and determination. They have a bunch of good kids over there. #45 #1 is a real good kid, tough, hard to tackle, the whole bit. #31 #45 on defense is a real hard-nosed player and a great athlete. We better be ready to play or we're going to get licked.

I’ll be surprised if there is any let up on our side. If we can stay focused for Purdue, we should be ready.

 

[tboyer]

Purdue Minnesota is a good football team. They've had some bad luck, but they can play with anybody. They are very well-coached and they play with a lot of fire and determination. They have a bunch of good kids over there. #45 #1 is a real good kid, tough, hard to tackle, the whole bit. #31 #45 on defense is a real hard-nosed player and a great athlete. We better be ready to play or we're going to get licked.

Love it. I can hear him saying it. Miss that guy.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Minnesota is not the Minnesota of 2019, and PSU is a more complete team than the PSU of 2019.

They have had good wins against USC and IL. Lost to Rutgers.

Gophers are not explosive. Only scored over 30 against Maryland and Rhode Island. Their running game is meh, their passing game is mostly quick short throws because they don't pass protect all that well. They've given up 23 sacks this year and PSU will probably add to this total -- especially now that Dennis-Sutton is back.

If PSU starts slow, it could be 4th quarter game like Wisconsin but if PSU is sharp offensively early, it could get away from Minnesota because they don't look explosive.

They are coming off the bye week so there's a little wild card there -- they will have some trick plays prepared. Otherwise it could look like a lot of the B1G games this year. PSU is stronger at the LOS and will wear them down.

Good scouting report but you omitted the one thing I want to know: how is their pass rush? Do they blitz a lot?

If Drew gets time like has the last two weeks take Penn State and the over. He had been playing great when he had time and will slice and dice all day.

 

[LandoComando]

Yes, should be a win, but they did have a buy week so they’re healthier and I’ve been able to game plan for two weeks. Will not be easy.

It should be easy--not Purdue easy but easy nonetheless

 

[bcspsu]

It should be easy--not Purdue easy but easy nonetheless

The extended forecast is calling for temps in the low 30s. That area is supposed to get a winter storm in the middle of the week.

Other than the delay in the WVU game, PSU has played in pristine weather in every game. Minny probably has too because this has been a dry and warm fall. The weather always has been a concern of mine with this game.

 

[LandoComando]

The extended forecast is calling for temps in the low 30s. That area is supposed to get a winter storm in the middle of the week.

Other than the delay in the WVU game, PSU has played in pristine weather in every game. Minny probably has too because this has been a dry and warm fall. The weather always has been a concern of mine with this game.

The weather has to be pretty drastic to even these teams out
Although Tennessee was complaining they were cold against Georgia with the temps in the 50s so...maybe

 

[bcspsu]

The weather has to be pretty drastic to even these teams out
Although Tennessee was complaining they were cold against Georgia with the temps in the 50s so...maybe

Chris Fowler was mocking Tennessee for having heated benches yesterday. That’s why I would welcome playing an SEC school in Beaver Stadium in late December; they might be partially beaten before the game even starts.

 

[liquid0623]

Purdue Minnesota is a good football team. They've had some bad luck, but they can play with anybody. They are very well-coached and they play with a lot of fire and determination. They have a bunch of good kids over there. #45 #1 is a real good kid, tough, hard to tackle, the whole bit. #31 #45 on defense is a real hard-nosed player and a great athlete. We better be ready to play or we're going to get licked.

No way we beat Minnesota without Nick Singleton

 

[LandoComando]

Chris Fowler was mocking Tennessee for having heated benches yesterday. That’s why I would welcome playing an SEC school in Beaver Stadium in late December; they might be partially beaten before the game even starts.

I would love to see Ole Miss or Alabama have to play in 30 degree weather against our defense. Just punish them--hit them, hit them, hit them

 

[bdroc]

They have had good wins against USC and IL.

Those are our good wins.

I'd have trouble giving 14.5 pts on the road.

 

[LandoComando]

Those are our good wins.

I'd have trouble giving 14.5 pts on the road.

But they've also lost to UNC and Rutgers. Iowa put up 31 on them
14.5 is about right--a little high but by a point or two

 

[ryoder1]

Minnesota is not the Minnesota of 2019, and PSU is a more complete team than the PSU of 2019.

They have had good wins against USC and IL. Lost to Rutgers.

Gophers are not explosive. Only scored over 30 against Maryland and Rhode Island. Their running game is meh, their passing game is mostly quick short throws because they don't pass protect all that well. They've given up 23 sacks this year and PSU will probably add to this total -- especially now that Dennis-Sutton is back.

If PSU starts slow, it could be 4th quarter game like Wisconsin but if PSU is sharp offensively early, it could get away from Minnesota because they don't look explosive.

They are coming off the bye week so there's a little wild card there -- they will have some trick plays prepared. Otherwise it could look like a lot of the B1G games this year. PSU is stronger at the LOS and will wear them down.

This game seems like a carbon copy of the Wisky game. We out talent them all over the field and just need to play a solid game with no turnovers and we win by 14+.

 

[Frabjous]

Minnesota’s coach does play a mean banjo. Wait, that is Bela Fleck!

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Penn State Football Opponent First Look: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Happy Valley Insider takes a first look at Minnesota ahead of Penn State's matchup on Saturday afternoon.

pennstate.rivals.com

 

[The Spin Meister]

Chris Fowler was mocking Tennessee for having heated benches yesterday. That’s why I would welcome playing an SEC school in Beaver Stadium in late December; they might be partially beaten before the game even starts.

Actually, the heaters were broken and the receivers were complaining even though it was 55. He basically called them wimps!

 

[Obliviax]

Minnesota is not the Minnesota of 2019, and PSU is a more complete team than the PSU of 2019.

They have had good wins against USC and IL. Lost to Rutgers.

Gophers are not explosive. Only scored over 30 against Maryland and Rhode Island. Their running game is meh, their passing game is mostly quick short throws because they don't pass protect all that well. They've given up 23 sacks this year and PSU will probably add to this total -- especially now that Dennis-Sutton is back.

If PSU starts slow, it could be 4th quarter game like Wisconsin but if PSU is sharp offensively early, it could get away from Minnesota because they don't look explosive.

They are coming off the bye week so there's a little wild card there -- they will have some trick plays prepared. Otherwise it could look like a lot of the B1G games this year. PSU is stronger at the LOS and will wear them down.

Thanks for that. I agree. They are 4-3 in the B1G and 6-4 overall.

• Lost to UNC, who hasn't been good this year
• Rhode Island
• Nevada
• Lose to Iowa at home giving up 31
• Lose to UM
• beat USC at home
• Beat UCLA at UCLA by 4
• killed MD
• beat ILL by 8
• Lose to Rutgers
• bye
• PSU
• Wiscy

A couple of things jump out. SOS is 74 and hasn't played a single one of the good B1G teams (tOSU, O, PSU, Indy). I think the west coast travel, to and from, has been challenging for everyone. So it benefited them in the USC game and they were able to overcome it vs UCLA.

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Penn State Football Opponent First Look: Minnesota Golden Gophers

Happy Valley Insider takes a first look at Minnesota ahead of Penn State's matchup on Saturday afternoon.

pennstate.rivals.com

 

[LandoComando]

The line (12.5) and over/under (45.5) have dropped a bit which I think was expected. Don't see it falling much further

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Minnesota players that stand out to James:

- QB Max Brosmer
- RB Darius Taylor
- WR DanieL jackson
- LB Cody Lindenberg
- DE Jah Joyner
- DE Danny Striggow
- CB Justin Walley
- S/PR Koi Perich
- K Dragan Kesich

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Franklin compared Minnesota's defense to the Nittany Lions' defenses under Bob Shoop and Brent Pry.

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Asked about Minnesota's ability to turnover the ball. Says that the Gophers do a really good job of doing so and that's a lot of P.J's background with Greg Schiano. Turnover ratio and explosive players are two most important stats in football and have been that way a long time.

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

WR Tyseer Denmark
OL Eagan Boyer
RB Corey Smith
RB Quinton Martin
DT Xavier Gilliam
DE Max Granville
DE Jaylen Harvey
LB Anthony Speca
S Vaboue Toure
CB Antoine Belgrave-Shorter

Are among the freshmen that Franklin says has stood out to him this year when on the field.

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Franklin was asked if Luke Reynolds's role could be changing as the season heads towards the postseason. Franklin does not appear to envision such happening but says he does love the development from Reynolds this season.

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Franklin just basically sent a message to Andrew Olesh in his press conference. Will have more on that in a little bit.

 

[Richie O]

 

[The Spin Meister]

My biggest question: how is their pass rush? If Drew has time like last two games we win big.

 

[Richie O]

My biggest question: how is their pass rush? If Drew has time like last two games we win big.

Jah Joyner is a dog at the edge, but the rest is so meh...

 

[Obliviax]

My biggest question: how is their pass rush? If Drew has time like last two games we win big.

just by the stats, they've got 19 sacks for 132 sack yards. Jah Joiner leads with 4.5.

PSU has 25 for 164, by contrast. Carter gas 8 ( and there is some noise on X that he only has 2 holding calls called against the player(s) trying to block him).

 

[Obliviax]

Jah Joyner is a dog at the edge, but the rest is so meh...

Looks like they blitz Jack Henderson (CB) off the same side to make it tough to double Jah. Of course, that play where singleton chips and then goes in the flat might be a great play against UM.

Minnesota Golden Gophers 2024 College Football Players Stats - ESPN

Get the full Players stats for the 2024 Minnesota Golden Gophers on ESPN. Includes team statistics for scoring, passing rushing and offense.

www.espn.com

 

[demlion]

Chris Fowler was mocking Tennessee for having heated benches yesterday. That’s why I would welcome playing an SEC school in Beaver Stadium in late December; they might be partially beaten before the game even starts.

Used to drive me nuts back in the day when we would play southern teams on the road in Sept., ~100 degrees, but they never had to play us in freezing, windy temps.

 

[tboyer]

Good scouting report but you omitted the one thing I want to know: how is their pass rush? Do they blitz a lot?

If Drew gets time like has the last two weeks take Penn State and the over. He had been playing great when he had time and will slice and

They seem to have a pretty solid D. Most points they've given up all year was 31 to Iowa of all people.

What lost them the game against Rutgers was their O-line which couldn't pass protect.

Team pass efficiency D, Minnsota is 10th nationally, PSU is 22nd.
Passes intercepted, 4th in the country with 16 interception (PSU has 8) (so good secondary?)
71st in FBS with 19 sacks on the year. PSU has 25 sacks, Ohio State 30.

Tackles for loss, PSU 54, Minnesota 32 TFL which ranks 106th nationally.
Rushing D, PSU is 5th in the country at 3.2 ypa, gophers 35th at 3.7 so not bad there.

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

They seem to have a pretty solid D. Most points they've given up all year was 31 to Iowa of all people.

What lost them the game against Rutgers was their O-line which couldn't pass protect.

Team pass efficiency D, Minnsota is 10th nationally, PSU is 22nd.
Passes intercepted, 4th in the country with 16 interception (PSU has 8) (so good secondary?)
71st in FBS with 19 sacks on the year. PSU has 25 sacks, Ohio State 30.

Tackles for loss, PSU 54, Minnesota 32 TFL which ranks 106th nationally.
Rushing D, PSU is 5th in the country at 3.2 ypa, gophers 35th at 3.7 so not bad there.

As someone who runs our Minnesota site, I've watched A LOT of Minnesota and will have thoughts throughout the week.

 

[Dylan Callaghan-Croley]

Wrote this for our Minnesota site today.

Minnesota has their 'hands full' with Tyler Warren and Penn State's offense

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck was highly complimentary of Penn State's offense on Monday during his weekly presser.

pennstate.rivals.com

 

[The Spin Meister]

Used to drive me nuts back in the day when we would play southern teams on the road in Sept., ~100 degrees, but they never had to play us in freezing, windy temps.

Yep, same with bowl games, all played in the South. They are used to the humidity, played close to home, visit those cities and stadiums often so aren’t distracted all week seeing tourist sites.

Huge home games for them.