Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. USC Trojans Preview

Minnesota (1-1) and USC (2-0) are both looking to put last week behind them heading into this weekend’s match up. The Gophers had an embarrassing loss to FCS South Dakota 41-38, allowing quarterback Dante Warren to rack up 433 yards of total offense and 5 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Adam Weber did all he could to keep the Gophers in the game, going 21-31 for 258 yards and 3 touchdowns. Minnesota is badly missing current NFL player Eric Decker’s outstanding play making ability this season. Another slow start by the Gophers this week and there will not be a shot at attempting a comeback in the 4 th quarter. The Gophers are going to need every piece of help they can get when they face the #18 Trojans on Saturday at 3:30 ET.

Southern California won 17-14 last weekend against a sub-par Virginia team, in a game that the Cavaliers should have won. USC quarterback Matt Barkley has been nothing short of stellar this season. The sophomore is 38-58 for 459 yards and 7 touchdowns to only 1 interception this season. The Trojans also have a good running back in Marc Tyler who has accumulated 221 yards thus far this season. In USC’s season opener, the Trojans defense has also allowed 279 yards rushing this season which could end up playing a role in keeping Minnesota in the game. With Barkley lighting it up through the air, Minnesota better hope their defense shows up this week or they could be in for a long afternoon at TCF Bank Stadium.

If Minnesota hopes to pull the upset on Saturday, they will have to hope for another USC secondary lapse. Weber’s experience and poise may give him an advantage over USC’s young secondary. The senior quarterback has 439 yards of total offense this season and will need to continue putting up numbers for Minnesota to play well. The Gophers junior running back Duane Bennett could also pose a threat for the Trojan defense as he has piled up 291 yards on the ground through 2 games this season. I believe Minnesota will come out strong, but USC’s depth will overtake this one in the second half.

My Prediction: USC – 38 Minnesota – 17

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