Minnesota (8-4, Big Ten) vs. West Virginia (6-6, Big 12), Dec. 28, 10:15 p.m. ET
LOCATION: Phoenix
TOP PLAYERS
Minnesota: LB Jack Gibbens, team-leading 86 tackles, 4 1/2 tackles-for-loss, three pass break-ups.
West Virginia: RB Leddie Brown, 1,065 yards rushing, 13 touchdowns.
NOTABLE
Minnesota: Five Minnesota offensive linemen earned all-Big Ten honors of some sort, led by first-team selections Daniel Faalele and Blaise Andries, as Minnesota had 2,575 yards rushing (most since 2014; 2,801 yards) and 25 scores (most since 2016; 34 scores) despite having used five different lead tailbacks this year.
West Virginia: Defensive lineman Dante Stills, a first-team all-Big 12 selection, has six sacks and 13 tackles for loss — both team highs.
LAST TIME
This will be the first matchup between the teams.
BOWL HISTORY
Minnesota: Fourth appearance in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, third bowl appearance in five seasons under coach P.J. Fleck.
West Virginia: First appearance in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, 39th bowl appearance in school history.
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