Time to kick off the 2026 season with a Thursday night primetime game against Eastern Illinois as the opponent.
How to Watch
TV: Peacock only
Time: 7:00
Stream: Peacock
The Panthers are coming off a 3-9 season in FCS and ended with a seven-game losing streak. But they played their first game last week and are currently undefeated after beating Murray State 28-14 on the road.
KEYS TO A GOPHER WIN
Slow down Charles Kellom – The senior running back for the Panthers was just named the OVC Offensive Player of the Week after he rushed for 171 yards and three touchdowns in their win over the Racers. Kellom averaged 9.0 yards per carry and torched the Racers with this 88-yard touchdown run. Jacarre Fleming-Page also had 81 yards on 13 carries, so this Panther team is going to try and run the ball.
Let Drake cook – Drake Lindsey doesn’t need to throw for 300 yards, but I would love to see him get into a rhythm and gain a ton of game-time experience heading into the Mississippi State game in week 2.
Don’t look ahead to Week 2 – I know I am, I know you probably are too, but the Gophers cannot. They should be able to beat Eastern by essentially showing up. But playing poorly, having this be closer than it should be with sloppy play, is not going to prepare this team for truer tests down the road. Take care of business this week by doing what you are supposed to do.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH
- #4 RB – Charles Kellom – as was discussed above, Kellom is a dangerous back and the key player on the Panthers’ offense.
- #5 LB – Ja’Wuan Nickson – the senior linebacker did a little bit of everything for the Panthers last week. Nickson led the team with 10 tackles, 2 TFLs, and an interception.
PREDICTION
The talent gap here is significant and this absolutely should be a win for the Gophers. I’m not worried about the outcome; I’m worried about how we get to that final outcome. Be efficient. Be crisp. Execute and put this away early.
Minnesota – 41
Eastern Illinois – 13