I like the Gophers in this spot against the MAC. Since 2010 the Big Ten has gone 60-13 vs. the MAC including 10-2 this year with an average margin of victory of 18. There a few reasons to like Minnesota in this spot who is getting into a bowl game at 5-7 for Academic reasons. We backed the last 5-7 bowl team and came up with a big win on Nebraska. I think this Minnesota team had a very difficult schedule and a lot of their stats suffered. Despite all of that this is a team that nearly knocked of Michigan, Ohio State and Iowa. Central Michigan had a tough schedule as well, but Minnesota also played TCU in non-conference play and had a ton of injuries and lost their head coach midway through the season.

Speaking of injuries Minnesota was devastated with them along the offensive line, defensive line and secondary, but ST's STeven Richardson and Scott Ekpe have been practicing, and several other key players are back in the mix. I also don't like this match up for the Chippewas who rely so heavily on the passing game behind the arm of Cooper Rush. Rush had a fabulous year with 25 TD's to 10 interceptions with 3703 passing yards, but this is the best pass defense he will face all season. Minnesota ranks 14th in yards allowed and have a lock down CB in Eric Murray who should be able to take away half the field. I'd be surprised if the Chippewas score more than 21 points in this game, and I think they will need to.

Minnesota can run the ball when they face a team that gives up the run. Central Michigan 1-5 when allowing over 4 yards per carry. Minnesota should be able to do that with a mobile QB, and I love the fact that this Gophers team is more balanced because they faced so many top run defensive teams this year. They went 5-1 against teams ranked outside of the top 50 in run defense losing to only TCU who is ranked 53rd.

Where to find Freddy?