Minnesota-Rutgers score predictions from the Gophers On SI staff

Minnesota travels to Rutgers this week for an exciting matchup between familiar opponents. Former Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis now starts for the Scarlet Knights and former offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca calls the plays.

A win would extend Minnesota’s winning streak to five, but they simply can’t overlook Rutgers, even if they’re favored away from home. Let’s move on to our personnel forecasts.

On paper, Minnesota has advantages over Rutgers across the board. Max Brosmer has proven to be a big step forward at quarterback, and the Gophers’ offense hummed during their four-game winning streak. I think Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano will give Minnesota everything it can, but one or two big plays from the Gophers’ numerous playmakers will make the difference.

Nothing about this game is complicated. Rutgers was outscored 133-66 on a streak of four straight losses. What’s even more embarrassing is that the Scarlet Knights lost to a decent Nebraska team, an extremely inconsistent Wisconsin team, a bad UCLA team and a disappointing USC team. If you’re worse than all four of these teams, you’re fucking bad. But such is life with a passing game that leaves so much to be desired, and the Gophers know all too well what life is like with Athan Kaliakmanis. The former Gophers QB will have a tough day against one of the best pass defenses in the country. I can imagine a pick-six or two for Minnesota in a blowout win.

The Gophers have an exciting matchup ahead when they travel to Rutgers on Saturday to face former quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. Kaliakmanis is surpassing his numbers from a season ago, throwing for 1,650 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 54% of his passes. But during the U’s four-game winning streak, the defense recorded seven interceptions. Four of Kaliakmanis’ five picks came during the Scarlet Knights’ four-game losing streak. Both trends continue as the Gophers defeat their former quarterback and earn their fifth straight win.

The Gophers are looking for their fifth straight win this weekend and are currently on the rise. Max Brosmer’s confidence and security at this level has grown significantly over the course of this season, and it helps to have players like Darius Taylor and Daniel Jackson to pass the ball to. Meanwhile, Rutgers has fallen apart, losing four straight after a 4-0 start. Former Gopher Athan Kaliakmanis, who has just three passing touchdowns and four interceptions in the last six games, could have a tough day against Minnesota’s stout defense. I don’t expect these two teams to end their winning streak on Saturday.

The Gophers are on a four-game winning streak. Rutgers is on a four-game losing streak. This is your typical Minnesota sports defeat, especially when you add in the “ex-QB looking for revenge” aspect. Despite all of that, I made it through and started believing in this Gophers team (kiss of death). Max Brosmer lights up Rutgers and the Gophers D make Kaliakmanis’ day an absolute hell.