The Gophers look to rebound from a season-opening loss
The Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-1) will look to record their first win of the season when they host the Rhode Island Rams (1-0) on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Can Rhode Island score on offense?
The Rams have a first-year starting signal caller in sophomore Devin Farrell, who earned CAA Offensive Player of the Week honors for his Week 1 performance in Rhode Island’s 20-17 win over Holy Cross. A dual-threat quarterback, Farrell was 20-of-33 for 287 passing yards and two touchdowns and also led the team in rushing with 13 carries for 54 yards. Tackling was a sore spot for Minnesota in their season-opening loss to North Carolina and they’ll need to clean it up against the Rams, especially when Farrell escapes the pocket.
Outside of Farrell, Rhode Island’s ground game never gained much traction, with sixth-year starting running back Malik Grant limited to 39 rushing yards on 11 carries. Expect the Rams to also rotate in Gabe Sloat (another sixth-year senior) and Iowa State transfer Deon Silas.
A name to watch in the passing game is redshirt sophomore Marquis Buchanan. He is their top returning pass catcher from a season ago and the Rams’ big play threat, hauling in four receptions for 88 yards (22 yards per reception) against Holy Cross. Checking in at 6’2” and 230 lbs., fifth-year wide receiver Tommy Smith is a reliable target for Farrell on third down and in the red zone.
Even with Farrell’s legs, Rhode Island surrendered three sacks to Holy Cross. Their offensive line should have their hands full against the Gophers’ defensive front.
Ball security was a huge issue for Rhode Island in Week 1. The Rams had six(!) fumbles in the game and lost three of them, two of which led to points for Holy Cross.
Please tell me the Gophers will be able to score
Up front, the Rams’ defense is led by nose guard Westley Neal Jr. and defensive end Malachi Burby, both of whom are fifth-year seniors and multi-year starters. Junior A.J. Pena is their stud linebacker, though former Michigan State and Cincinnati linebacker Devin Hightower bested him in total tackles in the season opener. Redshirt senior Fredrick Mallay is their top cornerback and tied with redshirt senior safety Emmanuel Gomes for the team lead in tackles against Holy Cross.
Rhode Island operates out of a base 4-3 defense. They weren’t very disruptive in Week 1, only registering three tackles for loss and no sacks. The Rams also failed to force a turnover.
Holy Cross ran for 170 rushing yards and averaged 4.7 yards per carry in the season opener. I would expect we’ll see a healthy dose of Darius Taylor (if he is cleared to play) and Marcus Major on Saturday, though I do hope head coach P.J. Fleck and offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. allow quarterback Max Brosmer to find a rhythm in the passing game.
But who will score more points on Saturday?
God, I hope it’s the Gophers. Minnesota 34, Rhode Island 7.