Gophers hope for homecoming rebound after………

The U of M lost to a mediocre Northwestern team 37-34 in overtime after blowing a 21-point lead and unraveling in almost every aspect of the game.

MINNEAPOLIS — This ought to be very easy.

The Minnesota football Gophers could be viewing this weekend’s Homecoming game against Louisiana as a cupcake buffet if it weren’t for the events of the previous weekend. It would be an opportunity to stack the score, inflate stats, and rest starters before facing a true test against a Big Ten opponent.

However, something happened last Saturday. After leading by 21, P.J. Fleck’s team completely collapsed in the second half and ultimately lost 37-34 in overtime to the Northwestern Wildcats.
“That’s the thing about football,” Fleck thought to himself following the defeat. “The ball isn’t spherical. It doesn’t always bounce in your favor. You don’t always get your way, and sometimes things don’t go your way either.”

Now, the Gophers are hoping for a fortunate comeback, and bookmakers think they will. The University of M is favored by 11.5 points at FanDuel Sportsbook. Despite having defeated the Ragin’ Cajuns all three times they have faced them, the highly anticipated Gophers are still plagued by memories of their previous homecoming defeat to Bowling Green, a non-power conference team, in 2021.

Specifically, what’s at stake?

After blowing a 21-point lead in the fourth quarter and losing 37-34 in overtime at Northwestern last week, the Gophers desperately need to turn things around in their homecoming game. After their bye week, they have a game against No. 2 Michigan on October 7 and a trip to Iowa on October 21. Minnesota was defeated by Bowling Green, a non-power conference team, in their 2021 homecoming game.

The Ragin’ Cajuns’ only power conference game in 2023 is against this team. Last year, they were defeated 49–17 at Florida State. Preseason polls predicted Louisiana, which dropped its Sun Belt opener against Old Dominion, to finish third in the seven-team West Division.

KEY COMPARISON

The offensive line of Minnesota versus the pass rush of Louisiana. After four games, the Ragin’ Cajuns are tied with 18 sacks.