Gophers vs. Louisiana
- Kickoff: 11 a.m. Saturday
- Where: Huntington Bank Stadium
- TV/Radio: BTN, 100.3-FM
- Line: Gophers by 11
For three quarters last week, the Gophers were beating Northwestern, twice building 21-point leads before the offense, defense and special teams all contributed to an embarrassing collapse in a 37-34 overtime loss. The Gophers (2-2) will try to rebound against the Ragin' Cajuns (3-1), who are averaging 38.8 points per game.
Three big story lines
Where is the Gophers' psyche entering this game? The stunning finish at Northwestern was a devastating blow for the Gophers, who must not only avoid any lingering effects from the loss but also use the lessons learned going forward. Coach P.J. Fleck and his players said all the right things about recovering. Saturday will show if deeds match words.
Will the Gophers defense stop big plays? The Gophers have allowed opponents to gain 10 yards or more 55 times this year, and 41 came in the losses to North Carolina and Northwestern. Included in those are touchdown plays of 80, 46 and 25 yards, plus other gains of 55, 39 and 38 yards. That needs to stop.
Will Darius Taylor play? Gophers true freshman running back Darius Taylor rushed 31 times for 198 yards and two TDs against Northwestern but missed overtime because of a leg injury suffered late in the fourth quarter. His 133 rushing yards per game rank second nationally. His status won't be known until two hours before kickoff.
Two key matchups
Gophers LBs vs. Louisiana QB Zeon Chriss
Chriss, who took over for the injured Ben Wooldridge two weeks ago, has rushed for 173 yards and four TDs in two games. Minnesota's best linebacker, Cody Lindenberg, has yet to play, so Maverick Baranowski, Devon Williams and Ryan Selig become more important in keeping Chriss' running in check.
Gophers OTs vs. Louisiana pass rush
The Ragin' Cajuns lead the nation with 18 sacks, led by defensive end Jordan Lawson with four and linebacker Kendre' Gant with three. Gophers left tackle Aireontae Ersery has a solid 82.8 pass block rating from Pro Football Focus, while right tackle Quinn Carroll is at 67.2.