Minnesota’s season opener against the Buffalo Bulls is finally here. Below, find out how you can watch and listen to the Gophers’ season opener, plus the latest betting lines, weather, and more. When, Where, How to Watch: When: Thursday, August 28, 7:00 p.m. CT Stadium: Huntington Bank Stadium (50,805) Television: FS1 | Tim Brando, Devin Gardner, Josh […]
Minnesota’s season opener against the Buffalo Bulls is finally here. Below, find out how you can watch and listen to the Gophers’ season opener, plus the latest betting lines, weather, and more.
When, Where, How to Watch:
When: Thursday, August 28, 7:00 p.m. CT
Stadium: Huntington Bank Stadium (50,805)
Television: FS1 | Tim Brando, Devin Gardner, Josh Sims
Radio: KFAN 100.3 | SiriusXM: 84 | Mike Grimm, Darrell Thompson, Justin Gaard
Odds: Minnesota is a 17.5-point favorite; the over/under is currently set at 43.5 points (BetMGM)
Series History
This will be the third all-time matchup between the Golden Gophers and Bulls; the Gophers have won both previous matchups. The last matchup came in P.J. Fleck’s first-ever game as the Gophers head coach, a 17-7 win on August 31, 2017. The two programs also met in 2002, a 41-17 win.
In that 2017 matchup, the Gophers were led by a big day from wide receiver Tyler Johnson, recording six receptions for 141 yards and one touchdown, including a 61-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter. Of the 24 total points in the game, 21 came in the first quarter, including both of the Gophers’ touchdowns in the game. Also, finding the endzone that evening was running back Shannon Brooks on a goal-line carry.
Overall, Minnesota has faced opponents from the Mid-American Conference 40 times in program history. The Gophers have won 35 of those previous four matchups with four losses and one tie. Under head coach P.J. Fleck, the Gophers are 5-1 against MAC opponents, with a 14-10 loss in 2021 to Bowling Green being their only defeat.
Projected Starters
| Minnesota | 2024 PFF GRADE | Position | Buffalo | 2024 PFF GRADE |
| Drake Lindsey | 72.0 | QB | Ta’Quan Roberson | 54.4 |
| Darius Taylor | 82.5 | RB | Al-Jay Henderson | 76.7 |
| Javon Tracy | 77.2 | WR | Victor Snow | 74.3 |
| Logan Loya | 74.3 | WR | Jasaiah Gathings | 55.9 |
| Le’Meke Brockington | 52.5 | WR | Nik McMillan | 64.3 |
| Jameson Geers | 56.0 | TE | Evan King | 45.4 |
| Kahlee Tafai OR Nathan Roy | 38.5 / 63.2 | LT | Henry Tabansi | 66.5 |
| Greg Johnson | 60.5 | LG | Alex Heininger | 48.7 |
| Ashton Beers | 62.5 | C | Jake Timm | 65.8 |
| Marcellus Marshall | 59.6 | RG | Tyler Doty | 69.0 |
| Dylan Ray | 61.7 | RT | Trevor Brock | 62.7 |
| Minnesota | 2024 PFF GRADE | Position | Buffalo | 2024 PFF GRADE |
| Jaxon Howard | 58.7 | RUSH / DE | Kobe Stewart | 70.0 |
| Jalen Logan-Redding | 64.5 | DT | George Wolo | 61.2 |
| Deven Eastern | 70.3 | NT / DT | Cornell Evans | 59.5 |
| Anthony Smith | 72.7 | DE | Malin White | 64.7 |
| Devon Williams | 58.4 | WILL | Dion Crawford | 77.4 |
| Maverick Baranowski | 70.9 | MIKE | Red Murdock | 74.8 |
| Darius Green | 53.7 | NB | Saveon Brown | 69.8 |
| Za’Quan Bryan | 73.1 | CB | Marquis Cooper | 68.8 |
| Koi Perich | 88.9 | FS | Jalen McNair | 71.3 |
| Kerry Brown | 76.7 | SS | Solomon Brown | 77.3 |
| John Nestor | 60.2 | CB | Oliver Bridges | 66.5 |
Weather
It will be a beautiful day for football in the Twin Cities on Thursday. The high is expected to be 78 degrees with a low of 56. No precipiation is expected and the wind is expected to be minimal. At kickoff, the temperature is expected to be 74 degrees, with temps dipping into the mid-60s by the end of the game.
Follow along with Gophers Nation
Gophers Nation will have live updates on the Gophers’ season opener throughout pregame though P.J. Fleck and the player’s postgame press conference. Gophers Nation subscribers can chat with the staff and Gophers fans on the Inside Gophers Nation forum.
Join Gophers Nation for inside access on the Golden Gophers!
Sign up here: https://www.on3.com/sites/gophers-nation/join/
GophersNation.com provides everything that passionate Minnesota fans need. Exclusive, wall-to-wall coverage of the Minnesota Golden Gophers athletes and recruiting.
Not a subscriber? That’s okay! It’s never too late to subscribe to Gophers Nation. Not only will you get access to each week’s full visitors list, but you’ll also have the following perks to go along with your subscription!
* Access to Inside Gophers Nation, our premium message board, where you can talk with fellow Minnesota fans as well as the Gophers Nation staff.
* In-depth breakdowns — Gophers Nation provides the latest analytics, stats, and more on the Golden Gophers, their opponents, and more. Each week, dive deeper into the Golden Gophers’ previous game and future opponents.
*Dedicated team coverage — Gophers Nation every week is ready to provide the latest scoops and coverage on Minnesota Golden Gophers football, basketball, and hockey.
* Complete recruiting coverage — We keep you up to speed on all of Minnesota’s efforts on the recruiting trail. Keep up to date with who the Gophers are targeting from the day they’re offered to the day they sign their letters of intent.
* Full network access — On top of our coverage at Gophers Nation, you’ll also receive FULL ACCESS to ALL On3 fan sites and national message boards, access to Rivals recruiting and high school coverage, featuring the biggest names in the recruiting inudstry, and access to On3’s national talent including some of the nation’s top college analysts in Andy Staples, Brett McMurphy, Pete Nakos, Ari Wasserman, and more.
If that’s not enough, there’s another benefit to signing up for Gophers Nation today!
Join Gophers Nation now for $1 your first week and enjoy a complimentary year of The Athletic – included with your membership.
Sign up here: https://www.on3.com/sites/gophers-nation/join/
Category: General Sports
