Gophers at Northwestern, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Ryan Field, BTN, 100.3-FM Line: Gophers by 7 1/2
The Gophers are riding a three-game Big Ten winning streak that has vaulted them into a first-place tie with Iowa atop the West Division, with a Nov. 13 showdown in Iowa City on the horizon. For that to take place with full meaning for the Gophers (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten), they first must pass two more conference tests, starting with Northwestern (3-4, 1-3).
Three big story lines
Respect for the division champs
While Northwestern has losses of 33-7 to Michigan and 56-7 to Nebraska, the Gophers aren't taking the defending West champions lightly, with their own division hopes in the balance. "Going against a team like that, you have to be on your P's and Q's,'' Gophers defensive end Boye Mafe said.
One if by land, two if by air?
The Gophers' bread-and-butter is their run game, and they rushed 56 times for 326 yards last week while passing only four times after halftime. They can pass, though. While ranking last with 20.3 passes per game in Big Ten play, the Gophers average 8.8 yards per attempt, second in the league.
Shutting down the run
The Gophers defense ranks second in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in rush defense, allowing 85.7 yards per game. Key to that has been a defensive line that rotates eight players. "We really made it a point of emphasis this year,'' defensive coordinator Joe Rossi said.
