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Quick Lane Bowl 2015, Minnesota vs Central Michigan preview, predictions, odds and live stream info

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 28, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A Minnesota Golden Gophers cheer leader waves a flag while standing out on the field in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Badgers won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A Minnesota Golden Gophers cheer leader waves a flag while standing out on the field in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Badgers won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Central Michigan Chippewas

It was a disappointing season for the Minnesota Golden Gophers are they were looking to contend for a Big Ten West crown and head to their first-ever conference title game. In fact, the Gophers were one of a few favorites to win the division and the Big Ten was on alert. After a 4-2 start to the season, Minnesota went just 1-5 to close out the year, earning a rare bowl bid as a 5-7 squad.

Losing Jerry Kill to retirement because of health in the process was a tough blow for this team, but you can bet the Golden Gophers will be trying to win this one for their former coach who will surely be watching from home.

Central Michigan opened its 2015 season with a 2-4 record and things were looking grim for the Chippewas. They then reeled off wins in five of their last six games, finishing 7-5 on the year with a bid to play in the Quick Lane Bowl, staying in their own backyard.

Having just two conference losses by a combined seven points, the Chippewas could easily have been 8-0 in MAC play, heading to the conference title game at Ford Field, but they slipped up at Western Michigan and at home against Toledo.

Details for Monday’s 2015 Quick Lane Bowl are below: 

Date: Monday, Dec. 28
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Location: Detroit, MI
Stadium: Ford Field
TV Info: ESPN 2
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Radio: For Minnesota radio affiliates, click here. For Central Michigan radio affiliates, click here.

Keys to Victory

Minnesota Golden Gophers

The defense of Central Michigan is surprisingly solid against both the run and the pass, but Minnesota needs to be able to run early to open up the pass game for Mitch Leidner. Although the Golden Gophers don’t have the best ground attack, Shannon Brooks has put together a solid season and need to start the game off strong for Minnesota.

Defensively, the Gophers must stop the aerial attack of Cooper Rush. He is averaging over 313 yards per game through the air while the running backs have been non-existent this season, averaging just 100 yards per game and 3.1 yards per carry.

Central Michigan Chippewas

Central Michigan must experience success through the air behind Cooper Rush if they’re going to pull off the “upset” in this one. Minnesota has one of the stingiest pass defenses in the country, so getting the ball moving through the air will be crucial, especially since the rushing offense is so mediocre.

Central has one of the best aerial attacks in the country, ranking 14th in college football, and Cooper Rush has put together a solid season, passing for 3,703 yards and 25 touchdowns. He can’t let the complacent run game hold him back from having a great game.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Minnesota -5
Moneyline: Minnesota -222, Central Michigan +192
O/U: 48

Prediction

Minnesota will get off to a very slow start as Leidner will still be trying to figure things out through the air. The run game of Minnesota will get the Gophers back into it, but Central Michigan’s passing game will prove to be too much as that is the one offensive strong point for both sides in this one. It will be a defensive battle throughout, but the Chippewas will get the last laugh in a “home” game.

Final Score: Minnesota 24, Central Michigan 27

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