Minnesota vs. Colorado State Prediction, Game Preview

Coming off a loss to No. 2 TCU, Minnesota can’t let up against a Colorado State team that started out with the free space scrimmage against Savannah State, coming up with a breezy 65-13 that could’ve been a whole bunch worse. This is the third meeting between the two teams with Minnesota winning the first two games in 2004 and 2005.

Below we dive into the Minnesota vs. Colorado State prediction and full game preview.

Minnesota vs. Colorado State Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Network: CBS Sports Network

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Why You Need To Care

This is danger time for Minnesota. TCU was the big home game everything was building up to throughout the offseason, and while the Gophers put up a fight in a 23-17 loss, it was still a disappointment. Getting Kent State and Ohio up next at home shouldn’t be a problem, and while losing to Colorado State wouldn’t really matter for the Gophers’ bowl hopes, it would seem like a major step back for a program that seemed like it was making such headway.

It’s Colorado State’s second game in the Mike Bobo era, and now it’s time to get serious. Savannah State was the tune-up, and after Minnesota comes the rivalry date with Colorado. Beat Minnesota, and all of a sudden, the Rams become a fun team to watch that should make even more noise with enough interesting games to start thinking really, really big. Playing Boise State at home will be important for the Mountain West chase, but to get into the hunt for the New Year’s Six bowl slot, this is the game Colorado State has to have.

Why Minnesota Will Win

If the Golden Gopher defense could keep TCU under wraps, what will it do with Colorado State? The secondary got hit for 246 yards, but it kept the high-octane attack from ever getting comfortable – it took a fight for the Horned Frogs to get points. Unlike the TCU game when Minnesota held on to the ball for just 25 minutes, the offense should be able to crank out more long drives and control the game better this week. The Colorado State defense is good, but Minnesota should be far stronger on third downs. Basically, the formula is going to work this week.

Why Colorado State Will Win

The problem is going to keep persisting for Minnesota until the offense proves otherwise – the passing game has to work at some point. Mitch Leidner had a hard time making things happen down the field, and he could have an even tougher time with starting left tackle Ben Lauer suffering a minor knee injury last week. After throwing for 197 yards and a touchdown, but missing on way too many plays, Leidner still has to prove that Minnesota can be more than just the running game.

Player Who Matters

The Minnesota defensive backs had to make play after play, and they held up well – for the most part. Damarius Travis, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Antonio Johnson and Eric Murray combined for 36 tackles in the secondary with Murray coming up with a pick. Against star receiver Rashard Higgins – who caught seven passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in his limited time – the Gopher back four has to put the clamps down. Colorado State will come out throwing, but Minnesota has to come up with a steady day.

What’s Going To Happen?

Colorado State will seem like it’ll be able to pull off the win, but Minnesota will grind and grind some more until the running game breaks through in the second half. It’ll be an entertaining game that’ll be worth the watch for a full four quarters.