Minnesota-Maryland score predictions from the Gophers On SI staff

The Minnesota football team will welcome Maryland to its annual homecoming game on Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. It will be a duel between the Big Ten's best pass defense and best passing offense, but will the Gophers be able to extend their winning streak to three games?

It seems like the Terrapins found something last week against Southern Cal, but the bye week will give the Gophers a chance to get healthy in the secondary, which they will need against the No. 1 passing attack in the Big Ten. I think Darius Taylor is having a monster day on the floor, and Minnesota controls the ball for most of this game, preventing a late Terrapins comeback

Minnesota has the fourth-best pass defense in the country. Maryland loves to throw the ball and it has a lot to offer, but you can't help but notice that it is against pass defenses ranked 46th, 31st, 120th, 24th, 105th, 80th and then against an FCS Team (Villanova) happens. Add to that the fact that Maryland's rushing offense is ranked 102nd nationally and this game has the makings of a rare Gophers win.

Minnesota returns after a week-long break to face Maryland's top-rated passing attack. Good thing the Gophers' pass defense is in the top five nationally in yards allowed. It's gearing up for an incredibly exciting fight on Saturday in Minneapolis. The Gophers' offense will be just enough to get a win and improve to 5-3.

This is a close matchup between two 4-3 teams, but I think the Gophers will come out of their game week well prepared and find a way to get their third win in a row. They have the horses in the secondary — Justin Walley, Ethan Robinson, Koi Perich — to withstand Maryland's explosive passing game. On offense, Max Brosmer and Co. shouldn't have too much trouble moving the ball against a Terrapins defense that has allowed over 33 points per game in the Big Ten. Win the turnover battle, win the game.

Maryland quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. appears to be finding his rhythm after throwing for a career-best 373 yards in a surprise win over Southern Cal last week. But on Saturday, he'll face a Gophers secondary that features veteran cornerbacks Justin Walley and Ethan Robinson, as well as Koi Perich, a standout freshman safety who's been playing week-in, week-out. The Gophers had two weeks to prepare for the Terrapins' 21-17 victory over UCLA on Oct. 12, and Huntington Bank Stadium will be rocking for the U's homecoming. Max Brosmer has proven himself and made plays when needed, and the Maryland defense is beatable through the air. The U's will be able to move the ball on offense and their defense will make life difficult for Edwards. Minnesota wins its third straight on Homecoming weekend.