First Time EVER: Georgia Southern Eagles Challenge the Minnesota Gophers
Gophers versus Eagles? Why the hell not?
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As you are likely well aware, Georgia Southern versus Minnesota Gophers is the O’Doul’s “Maintain Your Edge” Sun Belt Game of the Week, the reason being that 1) this is the first meeting ever between the two programs, and 2) what a delightfully weird matchup. Just two schools who decided what the hell, let’s do this.
Both teams are gasping right now
The first two weeks have been a bit of a struggle for the Eagles (1-1) and the Gophers (2-0), both of whom would probably like to see a flat out definitive win on Saturday. Minnesota needed 8 points late in the fourth quarter to put away South Dakota State in its opener, then proceeded squeak out an overtime victory at Fresno State in Week 2.
The Eagles seem just as discombobulated. There was no shame to losing to LSU in the season opener, but to lose 53-3 and only accrue 73 rushing yards is a bit dismaying. The follow-up 26-18 victory over Maine didn’t boost my confidence in the Eagles, though the run game did improve significantly with three Eagles posting 100+ yards.
What’s up with Shai Werts?
Part of the Eagles’ problem is that starting QB Shai Werts is hurt with a shoulder injury and didn’t even play against Maine. Will Werts be available for the Gophers?
That puts freshman Justin Tomin behind center, who converted only 41% of his passes against Maine (typical Eagles) but also ran for 153 yards and a TD (also typical Eagles). But putting up those numbers against a CAA team and expecting the same when facing a Big 10 program may be a bit of a stretch.
The Gophers are okay against the run
Georgia Southern’s run game is not your ordinary run game. The Triple Option is designed to flummox big, bulky teams with a straight-ahead mentality (for reference, please ask Michigan). That said, Minnesota is okay against the run, surrendering an acceptable 115 yards on the ground. Of course, the Gophers have yet to face a power run, so who knows?
Where’s that Eagles No Fly Zone defense?
Joe Burrow, Heisman Candidate, tossed a whopping five TDs against a Georgia Southern secondary that was supposed to be among the best in the nation. Against Maine, the Eagles gave up 300 pass yards and a couple more scores. This wasn’t supposed to happen with Kindle Vildor and Monquavion Brinson providing shutdown coverage.
Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan is only averaging a little over 200 yard a game, with sophomore wideout Rashod Bateman collecting about half those reception yards. If Vildor and Brinson can bottle up Bateman, this game should determine whether or not this Eagles pass defense is legit.
Final Analysis
The Gophers are a 15.5-point favorite, but I don’t really see why. PJ Fleck and Minnesota have won both their games late, and by a single score. Chad Lunsford and the Eagles may be limping, but that offense cannot be contained forever. I see a good game breaking out in the Twin Cities.
Georgia Southern Eagles @ Minnesota Gophers, Saturday, 2:30 PM on the Big 10 Network, where the Sun Belt shines
A former notary public, Jeremy Harper is a professional writer and Chief Instigator for Storm the Castle Creative. He spends much of his free time staring blankly into space.
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