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In the Citrus Bowl on Thursday afternoon, the Minnesota Golden Gophers (10-3) will be hoping that their rushing attack can get by the solid defense of the Missouri Tigers (8-4). The Golden Gophers were second in the Big Ten West this season, while Missouri finished atop the SEC East standings.

In their final regular season game, Minnesota was beaten 34-24 by Wisconsin on the road. They were only able to gain 272 total yards in that loss, including just 95 yards through the air.

The Golden Gophers have been one of the better rushing teams in the nation this season by averaging 224.6 yards per game on the ground. Their main offensive threat this season has been running back David Cobb, who has rushed for 1,545 yards and 13 touchdowns and is averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

In the SEC title game, Missouri had their six-game winning streak snapped when #1 Alabama blew them out 42-13. The Tigers had a hard time moving the ball on the ground in that loss, finishing with just 41 rushing yards.

In 12 games this season, the Tigers scored 27.4 points per game while holding their opponents to just 21.4 points per game. Quarterback Maty Mauk has 2,551 passing yards on the season with 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Wide receiver Bud Sasser has caught 70 passes for 935 yards and a team-high 10 touchdowns.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends

Minnesota Golden Gophers are 8-4-0 Against the Spread

Minnesota Golden Gophers are 5-6-0 against the Over/Under

Missouri Tigers Betting Trends

Missouri Tigers are 8-5-0 Against the Spread

Missouri Tigers are 6-7-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Golden Gophers

12/28/14 WR Donovahn Jones Personal has left the program
12/27/14 OT Ben Lauer Mononucleosis "?" Thursday vs. Missouri
12/12/14 DB Antonio Johnson Knee is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. Missouri
12/12/14 WR Drew Wolitarsky Ankle is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. Missouri
09/18/14 OL Alex Mayes Shoulder out for season
09/16/14 WR Isaiah Gentry Knee out for season
09/10/14 LB Cody Poock Knee out for season
09/10/14 OL Jared Weyler Knee out for season
09/09/14 LB Nick Rallis Knee out for season
09/02/14 DT Scott Ekpe Knee out for season
08/22/14 TE Duke Anyanwu Knee out for season

Missouri Tigers

12/20/14 WR Jimmie Hunt Shoulder doubtful Thursday vs. Minnesota U
12/14/14 TE Kendall Blanton Elbow "?" Thursday vs. Minnesota U
12/13/14 OL Brad McNulty Knee probable Thursday vs. Minnesota U
12/13/14 DB Cortland Browning Foot expected to miss Thursday vs. Minnesota U
11/25/14 WR Lawrence Lee Disciplinary left the team
10/27/14 RB Morgan Steward Hip out for season
09/20/14 OL Anthony Gatti Knee out for season
08/02/14 WR Levi Copelin Suspension out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Minnesota

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