Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 9th 2024

Preview and Prediction

This week, the state of Minnesota is dedicating its time to devising defensive strategies for a familiar quarterback, although coach P.J. Fleck is downplaying the reunion.

In pursuit of their fifth consecutive victory, the Golden Gophers will go up against former Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Piscataway, N.J. for a Big Ten showdown with the Scarlet Knights.

The Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2) are aiming to surpass their win total from the previous season, in which they ended with their first losing record in a full season since 2017. Last season, Minnesota finished 6-7 with Kaliakmanis, who threw for 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns in 12 games.

"When you look at both sides of the ball, there are many individuals who have connections, but that cannot be our focus," stated Fleck on Monday. "And it will not be our focus. Our focus is on improving as a football team. We will work towards becoming better."

Minnesota has secured three one-score victories in between a 48-23 triumph over Maryland. The Golden Gophers kept their winning streak alive by securing a 25-17 win against then-No. 24 Illinois last week, with a 1-yard touchdown pass from Max Brosmer to Jameson Geers and a 46-yard field goal from Dragan Kesich in the final 5:14.

Brosmer has thrown seven of his 13 touchdown passes during the winning streak, completing 89 of 126 passes for 895 yards.

Kaliakmanis and the Scarlet Knights (4-4, 1-4) are determined to end a four-game losing streak, during which they have been outscored 133-66 since their victory over Washington on September 27.

Throughout this losing streak, Kaliakmanis has been intercepted four times and sacked 10 times, including five times in a 42-20 loss to USC on October 25, where he completed 27 of his career-high 47 attempts for 313 yards.

Kaliakmanis played for Minnesota in 2022 and 2023, throwing for 2,784 yards in 23 games.

"I had an amazing time there," he said. "I have a lot of respect for the coaches there. However, my focus is on where I am now and making friends here. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I had there, but I am also extremely grateful for the opportunity I have here."

PREDICTION

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Rutgers Scarlet Knights