How do you watch the Duke’s Mayo Bowl and 3 keys to a Gopher win over Virginia Tech
And we get one final game of the 2024 season.
How to Watch
TV: ESPN
Time: 6:30
Stream: ESPN.com/watch
The burning question for all PJ Fleck fans (and haters) is this. What will it take to ensure PJ Fleck is drenched with a bucket of mayonnaise?
Here is how…
3 KEYS
- Let Max Brosmer loose – The senior only got one season in maroon and gold, but it was a good one. It would be fitting to let him throw early and often. Not having Daniel Jackson means he will have to find others to throw to, but VaTech has a depleted secondary and I expect the Gopher passing game to have some fun.
- Defensive line domination – With a couple of offensive line starters gone for the Hokies, and a strong Gopher defensive line expected to play, this should be an area where Minnesota dominates.
- Be smart – Such a boring key here, but don’t turn the ball over and don’t do stupid things (see UNC game). Don’t do stupid things and I think they win this game.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #1 QB – Pop Watson – The young and exciting future of Hokies football is Watson. He has announced that he will be returning and is the likely starter at QB for the bowl game. The redshirt freshman will be the team’s dynamic backup heading into the 2025 season, but with Kyron Drones injured for the bowl game, he will get a chance to play.
- #15 S – Jaylen Jones – Senior safety for the Hokes who has eight passes defended and three interceptions this year.
PREDICTION
Both teams are missing guys due to the transfer portal or not wanting to risk injury before the NFL Draft. But Minnesota appears to be in better shape than the Hokies. Virginia Tech will be without their starting quarterback due to injury and they have lost four starters to the portal. The line has moved from Minnesota being a 4.5-point favorite to now being a 9-point favorite.
Without their starting quarterback and two starters along the offensive line, I like Minnesota’s chances to not only win, but cover.
Minnesota – 33
Virginia Tech – 18