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Prediction Roundtable: Big Ten Bowl Games

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of Big Ten logo on field prior to a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of Big Ten logo on field prior to a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) hands the football off to running back Rodney Smith (1) during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) hands the football off to running back Rodney Smith (1) during the first quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Holiday Bowl

Minnesota vs. Washington State

December 27 2016 7:00 p.m.

San Diego, CA

This game has had controversy surrounding it ever since the Minnesota players said they would boycott it over the suspension of 10 players. With more information having been released in the investigation of the players in question, the team backed off from the boycott talk.

Still, how focused will the Gophers be heading into this one?

Minnesota had a very solid year. A strong rushing attack, led by Rodney Smith, helped the Golden Gophers to an eight-win season. The main problem area for the Gophers was the defense, particularly against the pass. That’s bad news going up one of the top passing offenses in all of FBS.

Washington State is all about the passing attack and quarterback Luke Falk. The Cougars averaged 371 yards a game through the air and can move down the field quickly. With just 339 rushes, the run game is an afterthought in Mike Leach’s offense.

Points could be flying on the board in this one, particularly in favor of the Cougars. See what the VBR staff thinks of the Holiday Bowl.

Site Expert Barry Leonard Jr:  Minnesota 17   Washington State 35

Contributor Marty Leap: Minnesota 21   Washington State 38

Contributor Shane Lunnen: Minnesota 24   Washington State 45

Contributor Corey Hunter: Minnesota 27   Washington State 44

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