The final multi-game slate of the college football season gets underway with the First Responder Bowl kicking off at 4 p.m. ET on Friday, followed by the Duke's Mayo Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET, featuring the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Virginia Tech Hokies.
Minnesota, boasting a tremendous seven-game bowl win streak, enters this matchup against Virginia Tech, which has faced significant challenges due to player transfers and injuries. The Gophers (7-5) have thrived under head coach P.J. Fleck, winning their last five bowl games, showcasing the program's depth and preparation. "They just love playing football and they love gettingbetter, and when you have a team likethat,that makes the preparationa lot more enjoyable," Fleck noted.
Running back Darius Taylor has been instrumental for Minnesota, running for 873 yards and nine touchdowns this season. "At Minnesota, we take high pride in bowl games," Taylor said. "We work so hard during the season so we view it as a privilege to be here. We take winning these bowl games very seriously as a team." The Gophers are positioned as 10-point favorites heading to the game.
On the other hand, Virginia Tech (6-6) head coach Brent Pry faces hurdles as his team will be missing 14 starters, leading to concerns about depth and execution. "These guys weren’t starters all year, but some of them have played,... so these guys have had a ton of reps in practice," Pry explained. This will allow the Hokies to draw on their practice sessions to face off against Minnesota's well-rounded offense.
The Hokies will look to freshman quarterback William “Pop” Watson, who will be making only his second career start. Watson’s prior performance showcased his potential and growth, completing 14 of 21 passes for 254 yards and leading his team to victory. "He gotbetterfrom the Duke game to the UVA game...this experience gives him," Pry asserted, showcasing faith in Watson's abilities.
For Minnesota, eyes will be on quarterback Max Brosmer, who has demonstrated impressive skills this season. Brosmer is on track to break the program’s single-season completion record. Fleck spoke highly of him, stating, "The legacy he’s going to leave is what he passed down... to the other guys." He is expected to lead Minnesota’s offense effectively without significant gaps.
The Duke's Mayo Bowl has gained notoriety for its quirky tradition of dumping mayonnaise on the winning team’s coach. Fleck quipped, "I'm bald, so I'm hoping it will all run right off" if his team wins, adding humor to the anticipation. Brosmer jokingly mentioned, "It might be a little easier to clean off if he’s shaven."
Minnesota capped off the regular season with a 24-7 victory over Wisconsin, showcasing their strong finish, whereas the Hokies needed to secure their final game against Virginia to qualify for the bowl. Their lack of consistent success, having lost three of their last four games, adds pressure to this pivotal contest.
This game is not only about pride but also serves as a clash of contrasting directions for both programs. Minnesota has successfully managed its roster and momentum, whereas Virginia Tech seeks to leverage younger talent, turning them out on this national stage. The anticipation leading up to the 2025 Duke's Mayo Bowl hinges upon whether Virginia Tech can muster enough resilience against the more seasoned Golden Gophers.
The matchup promises excitement, and both teams will give it their all as they vie for bowl glory and the fun of tradition with the mayo bath waiting for the winner. While Minnesota stands as the favorite, Virginia Tech's past experience and the unexpected emergence of players can create dramatic turns. Fans will be glued to their screens for this 7:30 PM ET kickoff on January 3 at Bank of America Stadium, promising to add another exciting chapter to college football's postseason history.