Gameday: Gophers vs. Bowling Green

By Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune

Last update: August 31, 2007 - 8:23 PM

GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. FALCONS DEFENSE

Redshirt freshman quarterback Adam Weber and the spread offense will make their debut. The quarterback and the offense received most of the attention in the preseason, and now we'll get to see how each looks in a real game. Bowling Green's defensive line does not have a lot of size so the Gophers will probably wear down the Falcons with their running game. Advantage: Gophers

FALCONS OFFENSE VS. GOPHERS DEFENSE

The Gophers defense has promised to be more aggressive and use more blitzing. The defense finally has some depth along the line, and coach Tim Brewster likes the progress of Steve Davis at linebacker. Bowling Green is starting a freshman tailback (Willie Geter) and a new quarterback (sophomore Tyler Sheehan). The Gophers will try to hit both early to test them. Advantage: Gophers

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Gophers spent considerable time in fall camp on special teams. Brewster and his staff made it a priority. Brewster has talked a lot about the speed and explosiveness of true freshman Harold Howell in the return game so it will be interesting to finally see him in action. Bowling Green has a new punter and placekicker. Advantage: Gophers

INTANGIBLES

The Gophers will be revved up for the opener and Brewster's first game. Emotion will be a key early. It might take some time to work through any first-game jitters, but the Gophers will have too much talent once they settle in. Advantage: Gophers

PREDICTION

The Gophers have won five consecutive season openers by an average of 39.6 points. This one shouldn't be close either. The Gophers will be sky-high emotionally for Brewster's debut. Look for a big performance from Amir Pinnix and the Gophers rushing attack.

Gophers 38

Bowling Green 14

The Call By Chip Scoggins • ASCOGGINS@STARTRIBUNE.COM