Minnesota vs. Northwestern Total Pick
After taking its first loss last week, will No. 11 Minnesota be able to get back to dominating on defense when the Golden Gophers face Northwestern on Saturday at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
149 Minnesota vs. 150 Northwestern
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Noon ET – Ryan Field
TV: ABC
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Minnesota is the favorite on the road in this game, as the Golden Gophers are getting odds of -13.5 points against Northwestern. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 40.5 points. The public betting currently has 94 percent going on Minnesota as the road favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Golden Gophers edged by Iowa
Minnesota saw its unbeaten season ended last week in a 23-19 loss at Iowa. It’s still been a strong run for Minnesota and the Gophers can win the Big Ten West by winning its last two games. The Gophers are 9-1 on the season, 6-1 in the Big Ten, 6-3-1 against the spread and 6-4 with the over.
The Gophers have been led this season by their defense. Minnesota is giving up just 20.9 points and 307.8 yards per game. Antoine Winfield Jr. is leading the defense with 62 tackles, two sacks and seven interceptions. Offensively, Minnesota is putting up 35.7 points and 432.7 yards per contest. Tanner Morgan has thrown or 2,468 yards and 22 touchdowns this year, but he is dealing with a concussion that has him questionable to play this weekend. Rodney Smith is the team’s leading rusher with 986 yards and eight touchdowns while Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson have combined for 103 receptions for 1,845 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Northwestern breaks out
Northwestern ended a seven-game losing streak last weekend with a 45-6 win over UMass. Don’t get too excited, as the Wildcats were a 39.5-point favorite despite their poor record. Northwestern comes into this game at 2-8 overall, 0-7 in the Big Ten, 2-8 against the spread and 7-3 with the under.
The Wildcats have been respectable on defense this year, allowing just 23.5 points and 345.1 yards per game. However, the offense has been putrid. Northwestern averages just 14.5 points and 291 yards per game this season. Aidan Smith has thrown for 760 yards and three touchdowns this year, but also has nine interceptions. Drake Anderson has 513 rushing yards and three scores to lead the offense while Riley Lees is the leading receiver with 43 catches for 330 yards and a score. Joe Gaziano is leading the defense with 40 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
College Football Betting Trends
Minnesota
The Golden Gophers are 22-7 with the over in their last 29 games against a losing team and 6-0 with the over in their last six road games against a team with a losing home record.
Northwestern
The Wildcats have hit the under in five of their last six November games and in 44 of their last 61 home games.
Prediction:
These two seemingly love the under, as they have hit it in eight straight meetings. These two haven’t combined for 40 points in six of their last seven outings against each other. When we think Northwestern, we think gritty defense. However, the Wildcats haven’t been as dominant on that side of the ball as we would normally think. They gave up 52 to Ohio State, 34 to Indiana and 31 to Michigan State. Minnesota has weapons. You have to keep an eye on the situation with Morgan, but if he can go, I think the Gophers will score. They put up 31 on a good Penn State defense and I think they can push for about 40 points this week. Northwestern may get held scoreless by the Gophers, but any points should be enough to help this over hit.
College Football Week 13 Prediction: Minnesota/Northwestern Over 40.5