Glen Mason: Forget stats, Gophers-Badgers could be close

Former Gophers coach Glen Mason will have a front-row seat for the Big Ten West Division showdown. Kevin Kugler and Mason will call the 2:30 p.m. game for the Big Ten Network.

Normally, Mason wouldn't hesitate to make predictions about college football matchups, but this week his job requires him to remain objective. He was still willing to break down the game with us:

What's your prediction for Wisconsin-Minnesota and why?

"I'm calling the game so I've got to play it straight down the middle. I normally don't hesitate to make predications, especially when the Gophers are involved. But because I'm involved with the broadcast, I'm supposed to be impartial and I will remain impartial.

"The bookmaker odds are well-publicized and published in the local newspaper that Wisconsin is the favorite in this game. You're always going to get certain credit when you're playing at home, and Camp Randall is a tough place to play. Wisconsin had some early hiccups and ever since then they've been on a roll."

What makes Wisconsin the favorite?

"Statistics can be very misleading, but they've got the leading rusher in the country, offensively. When you look at their offense and their running back comparatively to Minnesota, they're superior. When you look at their defense, they're ranked No. 2 nationally (in yards per game allowed) and up until last week they were No. 1. But that's still comparing apples and oranges because it really doesn't matter what you do against one team, it's how you play against another team. I don't know how they determine who's the favorite and who's not the favorite, but someone determined Wisconsin is the favorite in this game."

"You hear coaches talk about it all the time, it's not a cliché, it's true: the team that makes the fewest amount of mistakes. Turnovers are a great equalizer in the game, and you look Minnesota and they've been very opportunistic as far as getting turnovers. So I think that's a factor.

"I think Minnesota's ability to control Melvin Gordon in the running game. They're not going to totally stop him I don't think, but to be able to control him. He's the leading rusher in the country. And then they have a propensity on offense to get big plays and Minnesota is going to have to guard against that.

"And for Minnesota on the plus side, they should have a field-position advantage. They're the No. 1-ranked kickoff team in the league, and they're far superior in the punting game, so field position wise should be a big benefit for Minnesota."

How will Cobb's health affect the result?

"I think David Cobb represents about 40 percent of the offensive production of Minnesota, so if he's not able to play obviously that's a big loss. And saying that, they're not totally bare at the running back position. Donnell Kirkwood and Rodrick Williams are pretty good running backs in their own right; one of them gained a thousand yards a couple years ago. So injuries are always a part of college football and somebody is going to have to pick up the slack.

How does the Gophers schedule benefit them coming into this game?

"Minnesota recently played a very good Ohio State team — a team that is trying to get in the national championship playoff. That's why I say statistics can be very misleading, because you don't all play the same people."

What's your reaction to the Gophers quick turnaround under Jerry Kill?

"I think Jerry Kill has a done a fine job and it's not surprising. … Jerry is a good coach. I think the TCF Bank Stadium was a big addition as far as not only the ability to recruit, but pride within the program that they finally have their own place to play."

Can the winner of the West Division challenge Ohio State?