The Minnesota Golden Gophers and Virginia Tech Hokies will face off in Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday with a mayonnaise bath for the winning coach on the line.
Will Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck or Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry receive a head full of Duke’s mayonnaise?
The Hokies (6-6) will be without over a dozen starters who either entered the transfer portal, opted out of the bowl game or suffered injuries following the team’s 37-17 win over Virigina, including starting quarterback Kyron Drones and RB Bhayshul Tuten, the Hokies’ season rushing leader. Pry said the Hokies will showcase many young players that will offer fans “a good look at what our team can be in the fall” next season.
The Gophers (7-5) are coming off a 24-7 win over Wisconsin in late November.
This marks the first matchup between Minnesota and Virginia Tech. Here’s everything you need to know:
Minnesota takes the lead; up 14-7 over Virigina Tech
Another possession, another touchdown for Minnesota WR Elijah Spencer.
Minnesota ties it up 7-7 on trick play
Minnesota has some tricks up its sleeve. Lined up at Virigina Tech’s 10-yard-line, Golden Gophers QB Max Brosmer tossed the ball to RB Darius Taylor in the backfield. Taylor pulled up before the line of scrimmage and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to WR Elijah Spencer with 10:18 remaining in the second quarter.
Virginia Tech leads 7-0
Virigina Tech is on the board. Hokies QB Collin Schlee rushed for a three-yard touchdown for the first points of the game. The touchdown run was set up by Schlee’s 67-yard completion to receiver Ayden Greene.
Minnesota misses field goal
The Golden Gophers are off to a rough start in the Mayo Bowl. Minnesota’s Koi Perich fumbled a punt return that was recovered by Virigina Tech. It appeared to be a case of friendly fire. While attempting to catch the punt, Perch collided with a teammate and the ball bounced into the hands of Virigina Tech’s Jonathan Pennix.
Minnesota held Virigina Tech to a three-and-out, but then surrendered a three-and-out themselves. The Golden Gophers got something going on their next drive and drove all the way to the red zone, but Minnesota had to settle for a field goal. Kicker Dragan Kesich then missed the 33-yard field goal attempt.
When is the Mayo Bowl between Minnesota and Virginia Tech?
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
How to watch Minnesota and Virginia Tech in the Mayo Bowl
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Virginia Tech Hokies will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.
Watch Minnesota take on Virginia Tech with a Fubo subscription
Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech: Mayo Bowl odds
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are favorites to defeat the Virginia Tech Hokies, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of Friday, Jan 3
Spread: Minnesota (-10)
Moneyline: Minnesota (-400); Virginia Tech (+310)
Over/under: 43.5
Mayo Bowl predictions: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech
USA TODAY: Vast majority pick Minnesota
Scooby Axson: Minnesota
Jordan Mendoza: Minnesota
Paul Myerberg: Minnesota
Erick Smith: Virginia Tech
Eddie Timanus: Minnesota
Dan Wolken: Minnesota
ESPN: Minnesota 28, Virginia Tech 24
Adam Rittenberg writes: ‘P.J. Fleck was born to play and coach football, brainstorm mottos and eventually douse himself in mayonnaise after winning a bowl game. Can’t you see it now? Fleck’s team wasn’t far away from a much better season and boasts a solid formula of defense, Darius Taylor’s running and quarterback Max Brosmer’s efficient passing. Virginia Tech had far greater expectations than 6-6 this season, and could be facing some damaging personnel departures before January. The Hokies are very talented with running back Bhayshul Tuten, defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland and others, but there has been something missing all season. But Minnesota will win, setting up an epic mayo dump for Fleck.’
BetMGM: Minnesota will win
Staff writes: ‘The winning team model predicts Minnesota will win this game with 62.5% confidence, based on game simulations, offensive & defensive matchups and recent game results.’
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