The 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl features the 7-5 Minnesota Golden Gophers against the 6-6 Virginia Tech Hokies. Here is the 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl Preview.
Minnesota won seven games to qualify for a bowl game this season. They defeated two bowl-eligible teams: USC and Illinois. All five of their losses were to bowl-eligible teams.
The Golden Gophers score 26.2 points per game, ranking 81st in the country. They pass for 221 yards (ranked 74th) and rush for 111.3 yards per game (ranked 116th).
Max Brosmer has started at quarterback this season for Minnesota. He has passed for 2,617 yards, 17 touchdowns and five interceptions on 66.8 percent completion. Five players have at least 200 receiving yards on the season. Daniel Jackson has led the team with 75 catches for 863 yards and four touchdowns.
Darius Taylor has been the lead back for the Golden Gophers with 873 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Behind him in the backfield Marcus Major has rushed for 352 yards.
Defensively, the Golden Gophers allow 17.5 points per game, ranking 11th in the country. They concede 178.3 passing yards and 112.6 rushing yards per game. Cody Lindenberg has been all over the field with 94 total tackles. Anthony Smith paces the team with five sacks. Justin Walley has been great in the secondary with 10 passes defended and two interceptions.
Virginia Tech won six games to make a bowl game this season. They defeated three bowl-eligible teams this season: Marshall, Boston College and Georgia Tech. All six of their losses were to bowl-eligible teams.
The Hokies score 29.7 points per game, ranking 55th in the country. They pass for 192.8 yards (ranked 103rd) and rush for 187.1 yards per game (ranked 34th).
Kyron Drones has started at quarterback for the Hokies this season. He has passed for 1,562 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions on 60.7 percent completion. Five players have at least 300 receiving yards on the season. DaQuan Felton and Jaylin Lane have opted out. Stephen Gosnell and Ali Jennings will have to step up after having 497 and 373 yards respectively.
Bhayshul Tuten has led the team in rushing with 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns. Drones is the team’s second-leading rusher from the quarterback position with 336 yards.
Defensively, the Hokies allow 22.8 points per game, ranking 42nd in the country. They give up 214.3 passing yards and 145.4 rushing yards per game. Jaden Keller has led the team with 76 tackles. Antwaun Powell-Ryland is opting out with 16 sacks and no other Hokie has more than three on the season. Jaylen Jones has made plays on the ball ith eight passes defended and three interceptions.
With so many opt-outs for Virginia Tech, Minnesota can take advantage and win the game. Their defense can limit Virginia Tech and should be able to pick up yards on the ground.
Minnesota Golden Gophers 24 Virginia Tech Hokies 16
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