This is the fifth consecutive year when the Gophers have faced a Power 4/5 opponent. They dominated Colorado in 2021 and 2022 but have since lost three straight non-conference games to a Power 4 opponent (North Carolina x2 and Cal). Can the Gophers end this losing streak, improve to 2-0 and take down an SEC opponent on Saturday?
How to Watch
TV: CBS
Time: 2:30
Stream: Paramount+
While the Gophers were dominating an FCS opponent in week 1, Mississippi State was dominating a Group of Five team that is expected to finish at or near the bottom of the Sun Belt. The Bulldogs put up 62 points and 762 yards of offense on the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. Impressive numbers, but what happens when both of these teams face a significantly better opponent?
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Discipline on defense – I don’t care who your opponent is; 762 yards is a lot of yards. That was the 9th most yards gained in SEC history. Kamario Taylor is the primary weapon to be slowed. The Bulldog quarterback started the last two games of 2025 and is the team’s clear #1 now. Taylor threw for 354 yards and four touchdowns in the win over UL-Monroe and also ran for 59 yards and another touchdown. Discipline in contain for the front four and discipline in the back end.
Win turnovers – This one is always so critical and I often feel lame for including this is a key, but this is really going to matter on Saturday. This will be particularly important with both quarterbacks. Can the Gopher defense get a turnover or two from Taylor while Drake Lindsey plays a clean game? That could make all the difference.
Learn from last Saturday – Last week was about as good an outcome as we could have hoped for, but it wasn’t perfect. Learn from last week, get better and show it. The offensive line can be better, the secondary can be better; really, everybody can improve just a little bit and it will pay huge dividends. The season is still early and things are going to have to get better.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #1 QB – Kamario Taylor – As has been discussed, Taylor is dangerous with his arm and his legs. While we need to contain him, watching him might be kind of fun.
- #1 CB – Kelley Jones – Was 3rd Team All-SEC last season and a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. This will be one of the best tests for the Gopher receivers all season.
PREDICTION
My optimism grows every week from Monday to Saturday. Doesn’t matter who we play, I start to only see ways in which we can win. And this week is no different. Frankly, a team that is supposed to finish in the 8-11 range of the Big Ten is hosting an SEC team that is expected to finish 15th in the SEC…this has to be a win.
This is a talented, experienced roster facing other P4-caliber athletes used to facing elite teams. Both teams have talent.
I’m taking Minnesota because they had two extra days since game one, because they are at home, because I’m more intimately familiar with them than Mississippi State and because I want them to win.
Minnesota – 34
Mississippi State – 27
