Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders will have its first test of this promising young football season on the road against the Minnesota Golden Gophers tomorrow.
The Blue Raiders made short work of Savannah State in its home opener by dominating the game 61-7. This was to be expected as there’s little doubt that Savannah State was a tune up game for the Blue Raiders as they prepare for a season in which they expect to contend for a Conference USA championship with rivals Western Kentucky and Marshall.
It was a confidence booster for the Blue Raiders squad, especially for sophomore Quarterback Austin Grammer who was able to run the offense without any major mistakes as he completed 15 out of 17 passes for 250 yards and a touchdown. Grammer was also able to contribute to the running game with 26 yards, adding to the 228 rushing yards the team had racked up and the six touchdowns they earned on the ground. The defense also contributed with two fumble recoveries, two sacks and an interception, which stopped Savannah State from getting into any rhythm offensively.
It was also a fairly easy start to the season for Minnesota as they dispatched their first opponent Eastern Illinois University rather quickly. The Golden Gophers scored five unanswered touchdowns and went on to win 42-20. The Golden Gophers have a very narrow chance of winning the Big Ten Conference. Most likely they will be in the middle of the west division and will the season a success with a winning record and a bowl berth at the end of the year.
Currently the Blue Raiders are a two touchdown underdog.
The Golden Gophers are in a power conference so they are expected to beat a team from Conference USA that is coming to their home turf, but this could definitely be the perfect time for an upset for the Blue Raiders. They have a strong defense that can create turnovers and if they can get consistency and ball security out of the offense they could be a tough matchup.
The game is in Minnesota at 2:00 P.M. tomorrow and will air on the Big Ten Network.
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