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Ohio State Football: Big Ten Week 9 predictions, battle in Columbus

By Thomas Scurlock

LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 28: Quarterback Justin Fields #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes warms up before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 19: Tanner Morgan #2 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers reacts on the sideline after teammate Tyler Johnson #6 caught a touchdown during the fourth quarter at SHI Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Minnesota defeated Rutgers 42-7. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 19: Tanner Morgan #2 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers reacts on the sideline after teammate Tyler Johnson #6 caught a touchdown during the fourth quarter at SHI Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Minnesota defeated Rutgers 42-7. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

Maryland at Minnesota (-17)

The Terps throttled the Golden Gophers last season.  I have to think payback is fresh on their minds.

My biggest questions are how will Minnesota play with the weight of being highly ranked and in sole possession of the first place in the West, and can they avoid looking ahead to the potential showdown with Penn State in two weeks?

This is a new spot for the program but P.J. Fleck’s culture is firmly established.  The team is obviously locked in on his vision.  Handling the spotlight is the next major step in the process of becoming a consistent winner.

I think it will be closer than expected, but Minnesota holds off Maryland to win 34-30.

Would anybody have predicted this situation before the season began?

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