The Minnesota Golden Gophers could be put to the test by the improved Nevada Wolf Pack

Kaden Johnson, the former Minnehaha Academy star and four-year player for Wisconsin, is not certain to play because of an elbow injury. But if he can, it would be an exciting matchup to see him face off against Aireontae Ersery, who may be selected early in the NFL Draft.

5 – Average win margin for the Gophers in their last four games against teams from the Mountain West Conference. They beat Fresno State 21-14 in 2018 and 38-35 in overtime the following year, and Colorado State 23-20 in overtime in 2015 and 31-24 the following year.

With Big Ten play beginning next week, the Gophers will look to further diversify their offense by focusing on Brosmer and the passing game while also trying to get the running game back to the high level it once was. On defense, it will be important to keep Lewis and his ability to read options under control. The Gophers also had a comeback game from kicker Dragan Kesich last week.

Nevada needs to increase its chances of pulling off an upset by forcing turnovers and keeping Minnesota's defense off balance with the option game. If the Wolf Pack gets an early lead, plays patiently and has success on special teams, it will put pressure on the Gophers.

Facing a team from the Mountain West has been no picnic for the Gophers, and Nevada has some of the ingredients to pull off an upset, like a dynamic quarterback and a coach who has it together. The Gophers can counteract that if they avoid being one-dimensional on offense and make sure Brosmer has the protection and running game success needed to keep Nevada off balance.