Minnesota vs. Oregon State Pick
Will Minnesota be able to go on the road and upset Oregon State when the two teams meet up this Saturday at 10PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Oregon State is the slight favorite at home, as the Beavers are getting odds of -2 points against Minnesota. The over/under total for the game is listed at 51.5 points. These two met last season with Minnesota getting a 30-23 win at home as a 12.5-point favorite.
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Minnesota opened its season with a 17-7 win over Buffalo last week as a 22.5-point favorite. The Gophers looked good on defense, allowing just 262 total yards to the Bulls, but the offense looked a little shaky in the first game under P.J. Fleck. The Gophers amassed 408 total yards, but were just 6-of-18 on third down. Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks combined for 145 rushing yards on 41 carries and a touchdown to lead the offense. Conor Rhoda threw for 176 yards and a touchdown, but also had an interception.
Oregon State has played two games already, losing 58-27 to Colorado State while beating Portland State 35-32. The Beavers failed to cover the spread in both games. Through the two games, Oregon State is allowing 520 yards per contest, including 241 yards per game on the ground. That wasn’t all Colorado State either, as Portland State racked up 291 rushing yards last week. Offensively, Jake Luton has thrown for 539 yards and three touchdowns this season, but also has four interceptions. Ryan Nall has been leading the ground game with 174 yards and two touchdowns.
Bet on Minnesota vs. Oregon State
Minnesota certainly didn’t look like a world beater in its opener, but I think the Gophers’ defense will hold up against a team like Oregon State. The Beavers can move the ball a little bit, but they aren’t going to be able to overwhelm this defense. Minnesota should see some improved rushing ability against the Beavers as well, which should open up their pass game and make their offensive look a little stronger. I also just like Minnesota to be mentally tougher. Oregon State has looked weak in Gary Andersen’s time with the team. I don’t think that changes this weekend.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: MINNESOTA +2