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University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Gophers Remain Confident
9/21/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
The University of Minnesota football team is remaining confident as it moves toward its final non-conference game of the season. The Gophers host Northern Illinois at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.
Even with a 1-2 start to the season, the Gophers are building on the fact that they continue to progress as a team, and are focusing on getting better each week.
"There's a big difference between being 2-2 and 1-3," senior defensive back Kyle Theret said. "We know this hasn't been the start that we wanted, but ... our team is coming together more and we're getting to where we want to be."
There will be several historical factors that will be working in the Gophers' favor on Saturday. The Gophers have won both matchups against the Huskies, winning 31-20 on Sept. 24, 1988 and 31-27 on Aug. 30, 2008, both games were played at Minnesota. Minnesota is also 9-1 in its final non-conference game of the season over the last decade.
The running game will be critical for both teams on Saturday. The Gophers come into the contest averaging 189.3 yards per game on the ground, while allowing an average of 151.3 rushing yards. The Huskies have averaged 227.7 rushing yards, while giving up 174.7 yards per game on the ground.
"This week we have an opportunity against another good football team, but a team we match up well with," Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber said of the Huskies. "If we can bring the same focus and intensity that we brought against USC, then we're going to have a good game."
-Athletic Communications Assistant Keith Beise
