It’s an intriguing season opener for both teams. Here’s why.
The duel between the Minnesota Gophers and the visiting Ohio State Buckeyes will be fought on multiple fronts. And since the principal player in their last meeting, QB Dwayne Haskins (412 yards passing, 3 TDs), is in the Steel City, the evening’s lights will shine on the Golden Gophers’ running game versus “THE” Ohio State defensive line.
The Gophers will feature the 2020 B1G Ten’s Running Back of the Year and 2021 Doak Walker Award nominee Mohamed Ibrahim. Ibrahim rushed for 1,076 yards on 201 carries and scored 15 touchdowns last year. And in 2018 (the last time these two teams met), he rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in a 30-14 loss. Keep your eye on Ibrahim.
To counter, the Buckeye’s defensive line features tackle and Outland Trophy nominee Haskell Garrett and Zach Harrison, a defensive end, who is on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. Their task? Of course, it is to prevent the Big 10’s most prolific runner from leading the Gophers to an upset. And an upset it would be. OSU is a two-touchdown favorite.
You can watch the game on FOX, Thursday, September 2nd @ 8 pm EDT.
