Minnesota Gophers will visit Washington Huskies on Saturday night carrying a 2-1 nonconference record, fresh off a 41-7 win over Akron. The game kicks off at 10 p.m. CT in Seattle, with Washington favored by 10 points despite questions about the Huskies’ overall strength of schedule and some injury concerns.
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck has praised Washington head coach Jedd Fisch and his staff throughout the week, calling Fisch “a great playcaller, an offensive mind.” Fleck also acknowledged the challenge of the late start and travel but insisted his players will handle it professionally. “The preparation is the preparation,” he said.
The Gophers enter the game on a five-game road losing streak and struggled in West Coast trips last season, losing to Cal and Oregon by a combined 69-27. Washington has been dominant at home, winning 29 of 33 games at Husky Stadium since 2022. Despite that, ESPN’s Football Power Index ranks Washington’s schedule as the third-easiest in the FBS this season, while Minnesota’s is ranked 89th. Washington’s toughest opponent so far has been Washington State, ranked 97th, while Minnesota faced Mississippi State, ranked 22nd.
Minnesota’s injury report is a concern heading into the game. Darius Taylor, Aidan Gousby, and Matt Kingsbury all missed the win over Akron and remain questionable. Washington will also be without one of their top receivers, Christian Moss, who was ruled out for 2-3 months after Week 2.
The two teams have not met as Big Ten conference opponents since joining in 2024, with their last game dating back to a home-and-home series in 1976 and 1977. Minnesota leads the all-time series 10-7, with Washington winning the 1960 Rose Bowl between them. Washington has had mixed fortunes in recent decades, with strong seasons under Chris Petersen and a struggle under Jimmy Lake. Current coach Fisch is in his third season, looking to stabilize the program.
Washington’s quarterback Demond Williams is the focal point of their offense, but wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck stands out as a major factor. Roebuck, an underrated three-star recruit from Arizona, led Washington in receptions last season as a true freshman and leads again this year with 22 catches for 221 yards through three games. He operates mostly from the slot, putting Minnesota’s nickel corners to the test.
Fisch’s ties to Minnesota run deep. He was the Gophers’ offensive coordinator for one season in 2009 and has built his coaching career since then, including turning around Arizona’s program before taking the Washington job. He brought in Ryan Walters as defensive coordinator last season, replacing Steve Belichick.
Washington’s defensive line features Elinneus Davis, a Moorhead High School product who nearly played for Minnesota. After redshirting in 2023, Davis became a full-time starter last season and has recorded 44 tackles so far.
Minnesota faces a challenging test in Seattle, with injuries affecting their lineup and Washington’s home dominance a factor. The game will reveal whether Minnesota’s tougher schedule and recent form can overcome those hurdles.
According to Yahoo Sports.