Gameday: Gophers at Middle Tennessee State

KEYS TO THE GAME

5. HANDLING THE HEAT

After the fourth practice of fall camp last month, Gophers coach Tim Brewster said the “heat won” when his players failed to show the kind of execution he expected. Several days with 90-degree weather in the Twin Cities this fall gave the Gophers a glimpse of what they’ll see today in Murfreesboro, Tenn. But if the heat wins again, they could lose the game. the forecast is for a high of 94 with high humidity.

4. LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

Middle Tennessee State has the fifth-lightest starting offensive line in the nation by average weight (280.6 pounds), according to Phil Steele’s College Football Preview. That could mean Minnesota defensive tackles Jewhan Edwards (330 pounds) and Brandon Kirksey (296) will have an easier time getting penetration to stuff the run game. Redshirt freshman defensive end Ra’Shede Hageman (294 pounds) and junior defensive end Anthony Jacobs (300) are also a load off the bench.

3. GAME ADJUSTMENTS

The Gophers made their first adjustment by deciding to start redshirt freshman Matt Garin over Hageman at defensive end. At 6-4, 245 pounds, Garin is more of a speed rusher than Hageman. MTSU will likely make changes offensively to protect rookie quarterback Logan Kilgore, who is more of a passer than suspended senior Dwight Dasher. how Minnesota handles that unknown is key.

2. GROWING UP FAST

Minnesota will have 11 new defensive starters tonight, and three of them (Garin, freshman safety James Manuel and junior safety Christyn Lewis) have never played in a college football game. Establishing an identity quickly will be important for the Gophers, who are more athletic at linebacker and defensive end this year. Redshirt freshman left tackle Ed Olson is making his debut on an otherwise veteran offensive line.

1. EXPLOSIVE PLAYS

The fact that Dasher, one of the most explosive players in college football last year, isn’t playing should swing this category in Minnesota’s favor. the Gophers have the size advantage in the offensive line to break open runs. Quarterback Adam Weber needs to establish a go-to receiver early to replace Eric Decker. Juniors Da’Jon McKnight and Troy Stoudermire are likely candidates. Backup quarterback MarQueis Gray is also a big threat as he’ll play more at receiver this year.

THE PICK

Facing arguably the toughest schedule he’s had at Minnesota, Brewster can’t afford to start the season with a loss. Athletics director Joel Maturi said he wouldn’t judge Brewster on wins and losses, and preseason predictions have Minnesota winning anywhere from two to four games. Expectations are low. But they’ve changed for this game since Dasher was suspended. the Gophers are favored by a field goal after being 4 1/2-point underdogs. They need to win if they want to carry momentum into a key four-game homestand that includes hosting Southern Cal in two weeks. Gophers 24-21.

6

Middle Tennessee State’s national ranking after averaging 2.92 sacks a game last season

113

Minnesota’s national ranking after allowing 3.15 sacks a game last season

42-39

The score of the Gophers’ only loss to a Sun Belt Conference team (at Florida Atlantic, 2007)