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First Look: Minnesota

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Brady Pretzlaff
(Photo courtesy of David Berding/Getty Images)

Here’s an early look at Purdue’s 10th opponent of the 2023 season, the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Date/Time: Saturday, November 11, 3:30 PM ET

Location: Ross-Ade Stadium

Surface: Bermuda Grass

Capacity: 61,441

2023 schedules/records: Purdue 2-7 (1-5 Big Ten), Minnesota 5-4 (3-3 Big Ten)

Series notes: The Big Ten West foes will meet for the 79th time on Saturday as Minnesota leads the all-time series 41-34-3. However, history does side with the Boilermakers inside Ross-Ade Stadium, where Purdue holds a 21-8 advantage. When Jeff Brohm and PJ Fleck squared off, Purdue and Minnesota enjoyed a miniature rivalry. The two were both hired at the same time, and Fleck came away victorious in four of their six meetings. Purdue took down a top-25 Minnesota team in Minneapolis last season thanks to a couple of big interceptions from Cam Allen and a long run from Devin Mockobee.

TV: NBC

Early line: Minnesota -1, O/U 46.5

STORYLINES TO WATCH

Familiar face, new place

With Brohm’s departure, Fleck will face off with the Ryan Walters-led program for the first time. However, Fleck is familiar with Walters, given Walters’ history in Illinois. During Walters’ two seasons in Champaign, the Illini won both games against Fleck’s Gophers. Purdue will hope that Walters can replicate some of his success in West Lafayette against Minnesota, a pesky program which recently won four-in-a-row against the Boilermakers.

Passing game woes

Similar to the rest of the Big Ten West, nothing comes easily for Minnesota through the air. Athan Kaliakmanis replaced veteran Tanner Morgan after last season, completing less than 55% of his passes and averaging just 143 passing yards per game. The Golden Gophers will look to run the ball early and often, but if Purdue can force them into long situations, it should greatly help Purdue’s chances.

Home stretch

Only three games remain in the 2023 season, one that hasn’t quite gone as Purdue hoped. The Boilermakers are out of the bowl picture with a 2-7 record and currently sit in last place in the Big Ten West. The final three opponents are advantageous for Purdue, who could be favored in the last two. While they won’t get to capitalize on bowl practices, Purdue will get an opportunity to evaluate the roster further over the next few weeks to try and build momentum before a critical offseason begins.

Pro Football Focus on Minnesota

  • Kaliakmanis grades better as a runner than thrower, something Purdue must be cognizant of when he drops back to pass
  • Despite numerous injuries and rotation, Minnesota’s running backs all have earned strong grades this season
  • Oddly, Minnesota grades better as a pass-blocking team than a run-blocking crew
  • Veteran safety Tyler Nubin holds one of the nation’s top PFF grades
  • Not many missed tackles from the fundamentally-sound Gopher defense

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