Preview: New Hampshire Wildcats at Minnesota Golden Gophers

(Video courtesy Goldengophergridiron)

New Hampshire (1-0, 0-0 CAA) at Minnesota (1-0, 0-0 Big Ten)

Kickoff: Saturday, 12 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network)

Watchability: The Gophers barely survived in triple overtime against FBS cellar-dweller UNLV. Minnesota is inexperienced and an ugly game against a strong FCS team should convince you to keep the remote close.

Shining stars: New Hampshire: Receiver R.J. Harris had 159 all-purpose yards in a 38-17 win over Holy Cross. Harris made 12 catches for 102 yards with a touchdown while rushing for a career-high 57 yards. Harris is dynamic in the open field and a big part of the team's spread attack. Minnesota: Senior quarterback MarQueis Gray completed 17 of 30 passes for 269 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 68 yards in a 30-27 win in triple overtime at UNLV. However, he didn't find the end zone during regulation and needs to display more touch on his passes.

Who could steal the show: New Hampshire: Quarterback Sean Goldrich was named the Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week after he completed 21 of 31 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for a team-high 71 yards against Holy Cross. The dual-threat signal caller could be difficult to contain. Minnesota: Defensive back Derrick Wells was named the Big Ten Player of the Week after he made two interceptions and tied for the team lead with eight tackles against UNLV. His ability to play as an extra defender in the box made a huge impact against the Rebels.

You going? Ranking the road trip: You picked the right weekend to head north. Minnesota is unveiling a bronze statue of Goldy Gopher on Friday during the Party on the Plaza, hosted at Coffman Memorial Union's Front Plaza in Minneapolis. The event is part of a larger pep rally for the home opener.

Magic number for New Hampshire: 1. Wins against the Big Ten for the Wildcats. New Hampshire beat Northwestern 34-17 in 2006.

Magic number for Minnesota: 8. That many players made their first start for the Gophers against UNLV while eight freshmen also made their debut.

The game comes down to: Can Minnesota cross the goal line? The Gophers scored 13 points in regulation against UNLV and struggled to move the ball. If the offense can notch a few touchdowns early it could break the Wildcats and lead to a blowout.

Prediction: Minnesota 31, New Hampshire 17

For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big Ten bloggers Dave Carey and Mike Singer, follow @CBSSportsBigTen.