New Mexico State @ Minnesota preview

THE STORY: Two teams looking for their first win clash in Minneapolis. New Mexico State got blown out by Ohio, 44-24, while Minnesota suffered a devastating defeat against USC, falling 19-17 in head coach Jerry Kill’s debut. The loss snapped a three-game win streak in season openers for the Golden Gophers, who scored the final 14 points and had a chance to win on their final possession. New Mexico State coach DeWayne Walker returns to Minnesota, his alma mater, where he played in 1980-81.

This marks the first meeting between the teams.

TV: Big Ten Network. Line: Minnesota -20.

ABOUT MINNESOTA (0-1): Minnesota was outgained 371-302 in its loss to USC despite holding the Trojans to 67 yards rushing. The Gophers trailed 19-3 entering the third quarter but closed the gap to two points on touchdowns by Duane Bennett and Branden Green. Quarterback MarQueis Gray left early in the third quarter with cramps and was replaced by Max Shortell, who finished 7-of-13 for 98 passing yards and a touchdown.

ABOUT NEW MEXICO STATE (0-1): Quarterback Andrew Manley threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns against Ohio, leading an offense that couldn’t muster anything on the ground. The Aggies finished with just six yards on 23 carries. A pair of big plays late in the second half – a 97-yard kickoff return by Taveon Rogers and a 54-yard reception by Todd Lee – helped the Aggies make the score look respectable.

EXTRA POINTS

1. New Mexico State is 0-6 against Big Ten teams.

2. Minnesota came from behind in all six of its wins in 2009 and all three of its wins last year.

3. The last time the Golden Gophers played a team from the WAC was in 2003, when they beat Tulsa, 49-10.

PREDICTION: Minnesota 27, New Mexico State 13 - The Aggies’ lack of a running game will hurt them. Minnesota will control the ball and the clock, and win comfortably.