PHERSY:If you're a college football fan in Minnesota, you know this weekend is the battle for Floyd of Rosedale. Saturday's game against Iowa at the Dome is big ... no it's not going to get the Gophers to the Rose Bowl, but it's a huge rivalry, and there's a lot of pride/bragging rights on the line. A win and the Gophers are in a decent bowl. A loss, and who knows where they're headed ... probably Detroit! Yuck!
I'd be shocked if this game isn't close. Iowa has a great running game with Shonn Greene, but their passing game is brutal with QB Ricky Stanzi doing nothing for me.
People down in Iowa think Greene should be the Heisman Trophy winner. You should hear them gush about him on every talk radio station and in the newspapers. Don't get me wrong, Greene is a good running back. He's had a great season. However, I don't think he's the best player in college football. I don't think he's even close. Honestly, I don't think he should be invited to the Heisman presentation.
That's not to say Greene won't have another big day against the struggling Gophers defense.
I do, however, think the Gophers will limit Greene. He'll get his 100 yards on 35 carries. But if Iowa can't throw, I think they're going to be in trouble. When the Gophers know they can play JUST the run or JUST the pass, they do OK. If they have to account for both, the Gophers struggle.
So, I'm predicting a 27-24 Gophers victory.
If the Gophers get to eight wins, I'll consider this season a smashing success ... and hopefully it's just the start. They don't lose much, so next year there will be high expectations. We'll see how Brewster handles those expectations.
