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No. 21 Minnesota hosts Purdue on Saturday after getting off to a hot 4-0 start and picking up a big win last week against Michigan State.
Purdue, on the other hand, is off to a shaky start, dropping 2 games already on the season. Purdue is coming off a win against Florida Atlantic where it barely scraped by the Owls.
Some analysts believe a College Football Playoff could be in the picture for Minnesota, and another win over a B1G opponent could help assure some of those beliefs.
The Golden Gophers have been led in large part by Mohamed Ibrahim. The senior running back has racked up 567 rushing yards – the second most in the nation – while also notching 8 touchdowns. The Golden Gophers will likely continue to lean on their run game for success.
For Purdue, the Boilermakers are hoping for more success heading into the brunt of their schedule. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell absence will likely be felt if he is unable to play, but Purdue said he will be a game-time decision.
Purdue is also still looking for some consistency in the run game, as no the Boilermakers haven’t found a clear man in the backfield.
ESPN’s Football Power Index gives Minnesota the upper hand heading into the game, as they have an 80.1% chance to win the game.