Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech is set to face Minnesota in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl on Friday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on ESPN. The contest will take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, marking the Hokies’ third trip to the bowl. They hold a 1-1 record in previous appearances, including a 35-24 victory over Arkansas in 2016 when Virginia Tech was ranked No. 18. This season, the Hokies have secured consecutive bowl appearances for the first time since 2018-19, a sign of progress under head coach Brent Pry. In this edition of “Know the Foe,” presented by AAA, we break down the Golden Gophers and preview the key storylines for a pivotal postseason matchup in Charlotte.
The Minnesota Golden Gophers head into the Bowl with a 7-5 record, including a 5-4 mark in Big Ten play. Under the steady leadership of head coach P.J. Fleck, now in his seventh season, the Gophers have notched notable victories this year over No. 11 USC, No. 24 Illinois and Wisconsin. The matchup marks the Gophers’ fourth consecutive bowl appearance, with Fleck holding a flawless 5-0 record in bowl games. On the other sideline, Virginia Tech’s Brent Pry is also undefeated in bowl games, leading the Hokies to a commanding 41-20 win over No. 23 Tulane in last year’s Military Bowl. Both coaches will put their perfect postseason records on the line in what promises to be a compelling matchup.
Offensively, the Gophers have established a clear identity under Co-Offensive Coordinators Greg Harbaugh Jr. and Matt Simon. Their inside-zone rushing attack sets the tone, creating opportunities for a quick, efficient passing game to methodically move the ball. While the offense lacks explosiveness at times, it thrives through consistency. Quarterback Max Brosmer is consistent, completing 66.8% of his passes for 2,617 yards this season. Known for executing shorter, high-percentage throws, Brosmer’s longest pass of the year is just 44 yards. However, pressure has been a challenge—he’s been sacked 25 times for a loss of 165 yards, a vulnerability the Hokies’ aggressive defense will aim to exploit.
Virginia Tech’s defensive front, which sports 36 total sacks, will look to capitalize on Brosmer’s struggles under pressure. With the Hokies likely to focus on applying pressure, the Golden Gophers may look to establish their ground game to alleviate some of the strain on Brosmer. However, Minnesota’s rushing attack averages just 3.6 yards per carry (104th in college football) compared to the 3.9 per attempt the Hokies give up (43rd in the FBS).
The Gophers’ ground game is spearheaded by running back Darius Taylor, who has racked up 873 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Senior Marcus Major adds depth with 352 yards and three scores. Through the air, the receiving corps is balanced and reliable, led by Daniel Jackson with 863 yards and four touchdowns. Elijah Spencer, a deep threat, has 603 receiving yards and four touchdowns of his own, giving Brosmer dependable targets across the field.
Minnesota’s defense will lean heavily on its talented linebacker corps to counter the Hokies’ offense. Cody Lindenberg leads the unit with 94 total tackles, six passes defended, and one interception, making him a centerpiece of the Gophers’ defense. Maverick Baranowski and Kerry Brown follow with 59 total tackles each, adding depth and versatility to the linebacker room.
The Gophers have been particularly strong in pass coverage, racking up 58 passes defended and 16 interceptions this season. Defensive back Koi Perich leads the team with five interceptions, reaching a 90.7 coverage grade against USC alone. Meanwhile, fellow defensive back Justin Walley adds a game-changing presence with two interceptions for 102 return yards, including a 32-yard touchdown.
Be sure to tune in for the Hokies' final showdown of the 2024 season, as they face off in their last game of the year at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. While this game is sold out, fans still have the chance to secure tickets through SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace for Virginia Tech Athletics.