Virginia Tech faces Minnesota in the Duke's Mayo Bowl, marking their first-ever matchup. The Hokies, struggling with player absences, will challenge Minnesota's bowl-winning streak. Minnesota, led by coach P.J. Fleck, is favored to win, continuing their successful bowl history.
As the college football season draws to a close, the Duke's Mayo Bowl presents an exciting matchup between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This game, scheduled for January 3, 2025, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., marks the first-ever meeting between these two programs. Both teams are eager to end their seasons on a high note, but they face different challenges and expectations heading into the game.
Virginia Tech enters the Duke's Mayo Bowl with several key players absent due to injuries, NFL Draft opt-outs, and transfers. Starting quarterback Kyron Drones is out with an injury, and the team is also missing All-ACC defensive end Antwaun Powell-Ryland and star running back Bhayshul Tuten. These absences pose a significant challenge for the Hokies, testing their depth and resilience. Head coach Brent Pry will need to rally his team and find ways to compensate for these losses if they hope to secure a victory against Minnesota[1][2].
The Minnesota Golden Gophers, led by head coach P.J. Fleck, are looking to extend their impressive bowl winning streak to eight games. Fleck has a perfect 5-0 record in bowl games with Minnesota, and his team is well-prepared to face the Hokies. Minnesota's consistency and discipline have been key factors in their success, and they enter the game as favorites. The Gophers' offense, led by senior quarterback Max Brosmer, has been effective, with Brosmer completing 66.8% of his passes for 2,617 yards and an 11:1 TD-to-INT ratio over his last seven games. Minnesota's defense is also strong, making them a formidable opponent[3][4].
The Duke's Mayo Bowl has Minnesota as the clear favorite, with betting odds placing them at a 9.5-point advantage over Virginia Tech. The Hokies' depleted lineup and Minnesota's strong track record in bowl games contribute to this prediction. Analysts expect Minnesota to win decisively, with predictions suggesting a final score of 28-10 in favor of the Gophers. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, allowing fans to witness this exciting matchup and see if Minnesota can maintain their bowl streak or if Virginia Tech can overcome their challenges for an upset victory[5][2].
The Duke's Mayo Bowl promises to be an intriguing clash between Virginia Tech and Minnesota. While the Hokies face significant challenges with key player absences, the Golden Gophers aim to extend their bowl-winning streak. Minnesota's consistency and depth make them favorites, but Virginia Tech's resilience could lead to an unexpected outcome. As fans tune in, the game will showcase the determination and skill of both teams, concluding another thrilling college football bowl season.
"P.J. Fleck is going to be making sandwiches with the Mayo that covers his body for months after this one." - Gophers On SI Staff