Historical past means that Minnesota takes bowl video games extra significantly than many different groups.
The Golden Gophers will put that idea to the check once they kick off in opposition to Virginia Tech on Friday night time within the Duke’s Mayo Bowl in Charlotte, N.C.
Minnesota (7-5) closed the common season with 5 wins in seven video games, together with a 24-7 victory over Wisconsin within the regular-season finale.
Virginia Tech (6-6) misplaced three of its final 4 video games however secured a bowl invitation with a 37-17 win in opposition to Virginia within the finale.
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck is aware of he probably will cope with a short-handed roster due to accidents and opt-outs, however he’s keen to take care of his program’s success within the postseason. The Golden Gophers have gained seven consecutive bowl video games courting to the 2015 Fast Lane Bowl, which marks the longest profitable streak within the nation, not together with title video games.
Fleck stated his gamers are wanting ahead to competing on the nationwide stage.
“One, it is a celebration of 2024, so that you’re making ready for an elite opponent from the ACC in Virginia Tech,” he stated. “Two, you need to proceed to get different guys higher, so it is an extension of spring ball — it is pre-spring ball.
“You need to have the ability to deliver the ground of your program up, and also you need to see who’s actually going that will help you subsequent yr.”
Virginia Tech additionally hopes to complete this season on a profitable notice and head into the 2025 marketing campaign with momentum.
Hokies coach Brent Pry didn’t specify which gamers would decide out for the sport, however he acknowledged that some youthful and fewer skilled gamers might get a chance to play.
“It’s difficult,” Pry stated. “We’ll be younger in some locations. We’ll be inexperienced. However to me, these bowl practices have been superior for these guys. I am excited concerning the alternative for a bunch of them. I additionally suppose that they’re getting higher practice-by-practice.
“There are younger guys stepping up, making performs, executing higher. So I am enthusiastic about that half. Minnesota’s a extremely good crew. They’re veterans, they have good measurement, they have good expertise. So it may be a problem for us. However I like the way in which we’re approaching it proper now.”
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer has dedicated to play within the bowl sport. He threw for two,617 yards and 17 touchdowns in opposition to 5 interceptions in the course of the common season.
Darius Taylor led the way in which in speeding with 873 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Quarterback Kyron Drones paced Virginia Tech with 1,562 passing yards for 10 TDs, with six interceptions. He battled accidents that included a knee pressure, a stress fracture and turf toe, Pry stated.
Bhayshul Tuten topped the Hokies on the bottom with 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns.
–Area Degree Media
