With Minnesota likely taking on an SEC or a Pac-12 squad in their bowl game, there are some very interesting possible matchups for Jerry Kill's team.
Auburn
Auburn would be a possible opponent in the Outback or the TaxSlayer Bowl, and we can easily see the Gophers landing in either one. The Tigers have more in common with the Gophers than many neutral fans would expect - both teams are very good on the ground, inconsistent through the air, and very solid on defense (with occasional lapses). Considering Auburn was one win away from the National Championship one season ago, this is a very good matchup for Minnesota from a recruiting/prestige standpoint.
Georgia
Georgia is still wondering what would have happened if Todd Gurley hadn't signed so many autographs and stayed healthy...but they won't have much time to wonder against Jerry Kill's energized offense. This is a very tough matchup on paper, but it's possible that Georgia's players have lost some fight after a few tough losses de-railed their season. Another Outback/TaxSlayer matchup, UGA gives Minnesota the opportunity to finish on a high.
USC
The least-appealing of Minnesota's possible opponents, this is still a very likely scenario if Minnesota lands in the Holiday Bowl. The Pac 12 is wondering where to dump a USC team that massively underachieved this year, and putting them down the road in San Diego is an easy solution. Minnesota would have no excuse for losing to a USC team that looked absolutely dire down the stretch, but winning against a 'name' program like the Trojans would still be valuable for recruiting.
Who would you like to see Minnesota play in their bowl game? Let us know in the comments!
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