Saturday, September 6, 2014

TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders and the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who both scored over 40 points against their FCS opponents in their opening games, will face each other on Saturday afternoon.

Middle Tennessee may not have been facing a very tough opponent last weekend, but their 61-7 win over Savannah State was still very impressive. They put up a total of 519 yards in that game while holding Savannah State to just 229. The Blue Raiders also were able to covert nine of their 10 third down attempts in the game.

Middle Tennessee safety Kevin Byard had an interception in the win, which gave him 10 in his career. Quarterback Austin Grammer completed 15 of his 17 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown, while senior running back Tony Rowland rushed for 63 yards and a score on just eight carries.

Last Thursday, Minnesota faced Eastern Illinois of the FCS and were able to easily win by a score of 42-20, with Eastern Illinois scoring all 20 of their points in the fourth quarter. The Golden Gophers gave up 409 yards in the game, but they also forced three turnovers while only committing one themselves.

The Golden Gophers' most impressive player in the win was freshman running back Berkley Edwards, who rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns on only four carries. Wide receiver Donovahn Jones had three catches in the win for 57 yards and one score.

Injuries to Watch

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders

09/01/14 DT Patrick McNeil Lung questionable Saturday vs. Minnesota U

Minnesota Golden Gophers

09/01/14 DL Yoshoub Timms Ankle injured last game, questionable Saturday vs. Middle Tenn St
08/29/14 DL Alex Keith Knee injured last game, questionable Saturday vs. Middle Tenn St
08/29/14 OL Ben Lauer Ankle missed last game, probable Saturday vs. Middle Tenn St
08/29/14 WR Drew Wolitarsky Shoulder missed last game, probable Saturday vs. Middle Tenn St
08/29/14 DE Michael Amaefula Leg missed last game, probable Saturday vs. Middle Tenn St
08/29/14 DL Scott Ekpe Knee injured last game, questionable Saturday vs. Middle Tenn St
08/22/14 TE Duke Anyanwu Knee out for season

Tony's Pick: Take Minnesota

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