The plucky Gophers were a popular side last week, getting +10 points in a rivalry game against an opponent coming off a taxing win. Swing and a miss. But they should be in a high motivation spot Saturday against Spartans club that is making the most of its personnel but is extremely limited offensively.

Still amazed that Sparty got us a last-second cover against Michigan in a double-digit loss last Saturday, and I sadly don't see things getting much better for MSU in the Twin Cities this Saturday. The ML probably rises some if Gophers top tailback Darius Taylor (questionable) is cleared, but I really don't think it matters considering Sparty has lost five straight and been blistered in all three road games this year. The Fighting Flecks, meanwhile, are 5-0 at home and winning by an average of about 22 points per.