Can the Gophers pull off the upset and get their first win over a ranked opponent this season against No. 25 Nebraska on Friday? The Gophers are on a roll, having just secured a victory over Purdue last week, but can they take their game to the next level with the arrival of Dylan Raiola, Emmett Johnson, and the Cornhuskers? The Minnesota Star Tribune reports on October 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM that the Gophers' offensive line must dominate in the trenches and protect quarterback Drake Lindsey to have a chance against the ranked Nebraska team. Gophers (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) vs. No. 25 Nebraska (5-1, 2-1) Kickoff: 7 p.m., Friday Where: Huntington Bank Stadium TV/Radio: FOX, 100.3-FM Line: Nebraska by 8½ (47.5 over/under) Minnesota's recent success against Purdue shows promise, but the Gophers face a formidable challenge against the Cornhuskers, who are ranked for the first time this season at No. 25. Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) is riding a wave of momentum after a thrilling 34-31 comeback win at Maryland and a narrow 3-point loss to Michigan as their only setback. Three key story lines: 1. Can the Gophers extend their winning streak over Nebraska to six consecutive victories? 2. How will the Gophers' offensive line hold up against Nebraska's physicality in the trenches? Minnesota's rushing defense is a concern, ranking 115th nationally in rushing yards per game (112.3) and 89th in Big Ten play (174.7 rushing yards per game). 3. Will the speculation about Penn State's interest in Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, a former Penn State player, distract the Huskers? Two crucial matchups: 1. Gophers LB Maverick Baranowski vs. Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson: Johnson, a junior and former Holy Angels star from Minneapolis, leads the Big Ten in rushing yards per game (108.3) and had a standout performance against Maryland. Baranowski, a top-ranked linebacker, will be tasked with containing Johnson. 2. Gophers safeties Kerry Brown and Koi Perich vs. Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola: Raiola, a sophomore QB, boasts an impressive 73.8% pass completion rate, the third-best in the Big Ten. Brown and Perich, known for their ball-hawking skills, will aim to disrupt Raiola's performance. One crucial statistic: Nebraska allows the fewest passing yards per game (118) in the nation, making it a challenge for the Gophers' receivers to create separation. Prediction: Despite the Gophers' recent success, the game against Nebraska is expected to be a close affair. Minnesota's ability to improve its rushing defense and contain Nebraska's potent offense will be pivotal. Unless the Gophers make significant strides in the trenches, the Huskers are favored to secure the victory.
