Minnesota keys to victory and HOL score predictions

Can No. 19 Nebraska (7-2, 4-2) get back on track this weekend against Minnesota (7-2, 4-2)? The Huskers have won 18 straight night games at home and are 5-0 this season in Memorial Stadium.

The Gophers come into Lincoln still in the race for the Big Ten West. As things get closer to kickoff, here are today's keys to a Husker victory.

NU is currently a 7 point favorite over Minnesota for today's 6:30 pm game in Lincoln.

KEY 1: Get the running game going again

The last few weeks Nebraska has failed to establish any kind of consistency with their running game. As this offensive line begins to get healthier, they need to keep the offense on schedule and shoot for at least 200 yards rushing today.

KEY 2: Force the Gophers into passing downs

It's well documented Minnesota wants to keep the ball on the ground. They want to limit your overall possessions and not be forced into passing situations. The Huskers need to put Minnesota into obvious passing downs and force Mitch Leidner to beat them with his arm.

KEY 3: Explosive plays

Ever since the Northwestern game the explosive plays by this Nebraska offense have been few and far between. The Huskers needs to find some explosive runs and quarterback Tommy Armstrong needs to have some success in the passing game against the Gophers man-to-man defense.

KEY 4: Armstrong's decision making

This will be as big as anything. Armstrong needs to recognize when nobody is open and either throw the ball away or check it down. He cannot give this Gopher defense easy chances at turnover opportunities. They thrive on this, as they are +12 in turnover margin on the season.

KEY 5: Get the crowd into the game

This is a night game and Husker fans are hungry to welcome this team back home, as they've had just one game in Memorial Stadium over the 42 days. NU needs to do something early and give this crowd something to chew on.

Sean Callahan - HuskerOnline Publisher

Nebraska's offense will get back on track, but the Gophers will not go down without a fight. The Huskers are too good at home in night games and Minnesota will have trouble defending Tommy Armstrong's mobility. NU gets a much needed win to get back on track.

Nebraska 27, Minnesota 23

##############################

Robin Washut - HuskerOnline Senior Writer

Tommy Armstrong is good to go and his offensive line looks to be as healthy as it’s been in weeks, and the timing couldn’t have been better for a must-win division game for Nebraska today. I see the Blackshirts dominating Minnesota’s offense and the Huskers doing enough with the ball to come up with a crucial victory.

Nebraska 24, Minnesota 10

##############################

Nate Clouse - HuskerOnline Lead Recruiting Analyst

I see Nebraska bouncing back quite well from the tough loss against Ohio State last week, especially if Tommy Armstrong is able to go. The offensive line is as healthy as it’s been in a long time and I think Nebraska should be able to have a steady run game as well as exploit some matchups with NU receivers against the Gopher’s secondary. It will be a tough, hard fought game, but the Huskers hold on and redeem themselves with a quality win.

Nebraska 31, Minnesota 27

##############################

Mike'l Severe - Omaha World Herald Bottom Line

I believe that Tommy Armstrong will play once he is cleared in the concussion protocol. As much as the Huskers want to establish the run I think it could be a big week for the NU receivers. After playing 2 of the top 5 scoring defenses in CFB the Huskers get a break this week and score a few TDs.

Nebraska 27, Minnesota 23

##############################

Andy Kendeigh - KETV Channel 7 Sports Director

Two teams heading in opposite directions collide Saturday night at Memorial Stadium. But, Minnesota's 4-game winning streak features wins against Maryland, Rutgers, Illinois & Purdue--not exactly murderers' row. Those four teams a combined 13-23 overall and 5-19 in Big Ten play. The key Saturday night is Minnesota's run game vs Nebraska's run defense. The Gophers average 210 yards on the ground--keep them under 200, force Mitch Leidner to throw it and the Huskers will straighten their ship and snap their two game slide.

Nebraska 31, Minnesota 21