Minnesota vs. Northwestern Prediction
Can No. 10 Minnesota go on the road and cover a two-score spread against a struggling Northwestern football team today at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
149 Minnesota vs. 150 Northwestern
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Noon ET – Ryan Field
TV: ABC
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NCAAF Odds & Betting Page.
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 83 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.
Northwestern ends skid
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.
Minnesota takes first loss
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 today. He was still in concussion protocol as of Friday. 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.
College Football Betting Trends
Northwestern
The Wildcats are 0-7-1 against the spread in their last eight home games and 2-6-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a loss.
Minnesota
The Gophers are 7-1 against the spread in their last eight conference games and 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a loss.
Prediction:
Northwestern has had Minnesota’s number in the past, winning and covering in three of the last four meetings. However, these two teams are on very different paths this year. The Wildcats haven’t been able to get anything going in Big Ten play, losing all seven games, with four losses coming by at least 20 points. Minnesota is coming off a tough loss at Iowa, but the Gophers seem like a mentally tough team that should be able to bounce back. The Gophers defense will have no problem stopping this Northwestern offense and the Minnesota ground attack should be able to work its way through the Wildcats defense. I like Minnesota to handle itself just fine today.
College Football Week 13 Prediction: Minnesota -13.5
Related: Minnesota vs. Northwestern Total Prediction