#4 Indiana vs Minnesota Preview

It's hard to believe that we're entering Week 9 of the college football season already. However, when you spend every Saturday doing the same things, time sure does fly. This Saturday, make sure you slow down, enjoy the moment, and continue to drink lots of beer.

If you’re looking for a game to watch at 3:30 ET, Indiana vs Minnesota is absolutely one of the top choices.

Indiana is currently the fourth ranked team in the country, sitting at 7-1. Although most would say their schedule is ass, they competed with Ohio State and went on to beat Michigan in Ann Arbor to pick up an important overtime victory. However, if you watched that game, Michigan had every right to win. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover was 8-18 with 81 passing yards and an interception. I think I could’ve done that. Okay, probably not, but still. Not good.

Minnesota is currently sitting at 5-2, coming off an impressive 13-10 victory over Iowa. The stat sheet was not impressive on either side, but that’s what happens when Iowa is involved. Minnesota also carries some significant bragging rights over the Hoosiers, as the Gophers have won the last four meetings. The most recent matchup was on November 20, 2021, where the Gophers won in Bloomington 35-14. In the all-time series, as the away team, Indiana is 9-31-1. Will the Gophers continue to dominate, or will Indiana pick up their first victory in the last five meetings?

Now, let’s get into the important stuff. Indiana is led by TCU transfer quarterback Josh Hoover, who has 1,741 yards, 18 TDs, and 1 INT. He sure was set up for success with the surrounding weapons of Charlie Becker and Michigan State transfer Nick Marsh. As a Penn State fan, it’s hard for me to type the name Charlie Becker, as he dominated the Nittany Lions a year ago. Becker currently has 42 receptions for 726 yards and 8 touchdowns. Out of the backfield, the Hoosiers have the best running back name in all of college football – Turbo Richard. Turbo doesn’t only have a sick name; he has a sick game. The powerful back has recorded 711 yards on 106 carries (6.7 yards per carry) and 6 touchdowns. Impressive stuff.

For the Gophers, their stats aren’t as impressive, but PJ Fleck always seems to have his guys prepared for a dog fight. Love him or hate him, the man continues to win with less resources. Drake Lindsey is under center for Minnesota, posing 1,472 yards, 9 TDs, and 6 INTs. Although the Gophers offense is nothing too flashy, the Hoosiers defense is not as strong as it was a year ago.

              With a top four ranking on the line and Minnesota looking to pull off another upset, Indiana vs Minnesota has all the makings of a must-watch Big Ten showdown. Tune in Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET for a game that could shake up the College Football Playoff race.