History suggests that Minnesota takes bowl games more seriously than many other teams.
The Golden Gophers will put that theory to the test when they play Virginia Tech on Friday night in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, NC.
Minnesota (7-5) closed the regular season with five wins in seven games, including a 24-7 victory over Wisconsin in the regular season finale.
Virginia Tech (6-6) has lost three of its last four games but earned a bowl invitation with a 37-17 victory over Virginia in the final.
Minnesota coach PJ Fleck knows he may be dealing with a short team due to injuries and exits, but he is eager to maintain his program’s postseason success. The Golden Gophers have won seven consecutive bowl games dating back to the 2015 Quick Lane Bowl, marking the longest winning streak in the nation, not including title games.
Fleck said his players are looking forward to the national competition.
“First, it’s the 2024 celebration, so you’re preparing for a great opponent from the ACC in Virginia Tech,” he said. “Secondly, you want to continue to make other guys better, so the extension of spring ball — it’s pre-spring ball.
“You want to be able to level up your program, and you want to see who’s going to really help you next year.”
Virginia Tech is also hoping to end this season on a winning note and head into the 2025 campaign with momentum.
The coach of the Hokies, Brent Pry, did not specify which players will be out of the game, but he admitted that there are younger and younger players who cannot get a chance to play.
“It’s a challenge,” Pry said. “We will be new in some areas. We will be inexperienced. But for me, these bowl practices have been good for these boys. I am happy with the opportunity for a lot of them. I also think that they are getting the best practice.
“There’s some younger guys stepping up, making plays, playing better. So I’m happy with that part. Minnesota is a very good team. They’re veteran, they’ve got good size, they’ve got good experience. So it’s going to be a challenge for us but I like the way we’re going at it right now.”
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer has committed to play in a bowl game. He threw for 2,617 yards and 17 touchdowns against five interceptions in the regular season.
Darius Taylor led the way in rushing with 873 yards and nine touchdowns.
Quarterback Kyron Drones paced Virginia Tech with 1,562 passing yards on 10 TDs, with six touchdowns. He has battled injuries including a strained knee, a stress fracture and a toe sprain, Pry said.
Bhayshul Tuten tops the Hokies on the ground with 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns.
–Field Level Media
Source link