Before Minnesota’s visit to Husky Stadium, Star Tribune reporter Randy Johnson predicts a 27-21 Washington win. He cites the Gophers’ trouble with Mississippi State QB Kamario Taylor and expects Washington QB Demond Williams’ mobility to trouble Minnesota.
The article describes the matchup as the teams’ first meeting in 49 years. At the time of the interview, quarterback Drake Lindsey had 747 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception; Johnson called him accurate with a strong arm. Star running back Darius Taylor missed the Akron game with a leg or hamstring issue, and Minnesota rushed for 191 yards, 154 in the fourth quarter. Johnson said edge rusher Anthony Smith has also played defensive tackle because the Gophers are young there; he also highlighted linebacker Maverick Baranowski and safety Kerry Brown.
Johnson said P.J. Fleck has provided stability and regular bowl appearances, with 2019—the year Minnesota went 11-2 and beat Auburn in the Outback Bowl—the high point of his tenure. The Gophers finished No. 10 in both final polls that season. Johnson said Minnesota faces four ranked Big Ten opponents and needs four conference wins for bowl eligibility; he projected 6-6, with 7-5 possible and 5-7 not ruled out.
