Gameday: Gophers vs. Miami (Ohio)

By Chip Scoggins, Star Tribune

Last update: September 8, 2007 - 12:49 AM

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GOPHERS VS. MIAMI (OHIO)

11 a.m., Metrodome • TV: Big Ten Network • Radio: 830-AM

Line: U by 8½ • Series: U 1-0 • Last: U 35-3 (9/17/88)

NUMBERS TO KNOW 2,044 Career rushing yards for Gophers senior Amir Pinnix, who had 168 in the opener. 14 MAC titles and shared titles for Miami, a conference opener. DON'T FORGET ABOUT ... Duane Bennett Gophers coaches want to get freshman tailback more involved today.

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GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. REDHAWKS DEFENSE

The Gophers started slowly in their opener before turning to their power running game to score 24 consecutive points against Bowling Green. Look for more of the same today. Miami is not big up front, but linebackers Joey Hudson and Caleb Bostic can make plays. Advantage: Gophers

REDHAWKS OFFENSE VS. GOPHERS DEFENSE

The Gophers changed some personnel after giving up 412 yards passing against Bowling Green. Freshman Ryan Collado will make his first start at cornerback. Miami won't spread the field with five wide receivers like Bowling Green, but the RedHawks have a senior quarterback (Mike Kokal) and senior tailback (Brandon Murphy). Advantage: Even

SPECIAL TEAMS

Special teams were a bright spot for the Gophers in the opener. All three kickers had strong games, and the coverage units were solid. The Gophers also think they have a dynamic return man in freshman Harold Howell. Miami counters with a solid kicking game with punter Jake Richardson and placekicker Trevor Cook. Advantage: Gophers

INTANGIBLES

The Gophers were disappointed with their loss in the season opener, but they felt good about their second-half performance and comeback. Miami also comes in with confidence after winning at Ball State, but it will be difficult to win two consecutive road games. Advantage: Gophers

PREDICTION

We picked the Gophers to win easily last week, and that proved to be wrong. Miami probably has comparable talent to Bowling Green, but the Gophers will match up better against the RedHawks offense. The Gophers looked like a different team in the second half last week, and the guess here is that it continues today. Gophers 35, Miami 20

Chip Scoggins • ascoggins@startribune.com

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