Gophers at Northwestern: 3 story lines, 2 key matchups, 1 prediction

The Wildcats, defending Big Ten West Division champs, are having a tough season, but Maple Grove native Evan Hull has big-play ability at running back.

By Randy Johnson Star Tribune

October 22, 2021 — 8:09pm

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.

Two key matchups

Pat Fitzgerald vs. P.J. Fleck

Gophers coach P.J. Fleck sought out Pat Fitzgerald for coaching advice early in his career, and now they're annual opponents. Fleck is 2-3 vs. Fitzgerald, splitting two games as Western Michigan's coach and going 1-2 so far with Minnesota.

Evan Hull vs. Jack Gibbens

Hull, a sophomore from Maple Grove, leads the Wildcats with 643 rushing yards on 101 carries and has long runs of 90 and 75 yards this season. Gibbens has been a steady force at linebacker, leading the Gophers with 48 tackles.

One stat that matters

44.5

Average rushing attempts against Northwestern in Big Ten play. Opponents are rushing for a league-high 277.5 yards vs. the Wildcats.

The Gophers will win if …

They get the run game going early behind their dominant offensive line, mix in enough passes to keep the Northwestern defense honest and avoid turnovers and any disasters in the kicking game that would give the Wildcats hope.

The Wildcats will win if …

They score first and get a couple of early defensive stops to create doubt in the Gophers' mind, their quarterback play is good enough to open up the run game for Hull, and their defense forces a couple of turnovers.