College Sports

No. 20 Minnesota visits Rutgers looking to remain unbeaten

Posted October 17, 2019 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

Minnesota linebacker Kamal Martin (21) sacks Nebraska quarterback Andrew Bunch (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

No. 20 Minnesota (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten), Saturday at 3:30 p.m. EDT (BTN).

Line: Minnesota by 28.

Series record: Minnesota leads 1-0.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Minnesota is riding an eight-game winning streak, tying the school's longest since 1948-49. Going for first 7-0 start since 1960. It has secured a post-season bowl berth. It has won consecutive conference games by at least 20 points for the first time since 2005. After Rutgers, the Gophers return home to face Maryland. No. 7 Penn State up next at home Nov. 9. The season can't end soon enough for Rutgers.

KEY MATCHUP

Minnesota's offense against Rutgers' defense. The Gophers have won their last two conference games by a combined margin of 74-24. Rutgers has been outscored 165-7 in its four Big Ten games this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota: LB Kamal Martin. The senior had a career-high 15 tackles against Nebraska last weekend and was named the conference defensive player of the week. Leads Gophers with 41 tackles.

Rutgers: P Adam Korsak. The Scarlet Knights don't have much. The former Australian Rules Football player is third in the conference and 19th nationally with a 45.4 yard average. Twenty of his 41 punts have been downed inside the 20-yard line. He has only one touchback.

FACTS & FIGURES

Minnesota won 34-32 in 2016 in the only meeting. ... Rodney Smith is third in the league in rushing, averaging 112.5 yards for Minnesota. ... Minnesota QB Tanner Morgan has thrown five of his 14 TD passes to Tyler Johnson. ... Morgan's pass efficiency average of 195.1 is best in the league and fourth nationally. ... Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck was a Rutgers' receivers coach in 2010-11 under Greg Schiano. ... Scarlet Knights special teams coordinator/outside linebackers coach Vince Okruch spent seven seasons on Minnesota's coaching staff. ... Rutgers last faced an opponent with a 6-0 record or better on Oct. 24, 2015 (No. 1 Ohio State, 7-0). They lost 49-7. Rutgers is averaging 65.3 yards in penalties, second worst in the conference.

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Minnesota running back Rodney Smith (1) holds off Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim (24) celebrates with teammates Seth Green (17) and Tyler Johnson (6) after scoring a touchdown against Nebraska during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs) The Associated Press

Rutgers quarterback Johnny Langan (17) tosses the football to an official after getting sacked during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 35-0. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) The Associated Press

Indiana wide receiver Ty Fryfogle (3) is defended by Rutgers defensive back Damon Hayes (22) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 35-0. The pass was incomplete. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) The Associated Press

Rutgers interim head coach Nunzio Campanile watches during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 35-0. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) The Associated Press

Rutgers quarterback Johnny Langan (17) fumbles as he is hit by Indiana defensive lineman Demarcus Elliott (94) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) The Associated Press

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