Northwestern vs. Minnesota Prediction
Is No. 22 Northwestern facing a trap game this afternoon when the Wildcats go on the road to face Minnesota at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
329 Northwestern at 330 Minnesota
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Noon ET – TCF Bank Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Minnesota is now the favorite at home today, as the Golden Gophers are getting odds of -2 points against Northwestern. The over/under total for the contest is currently listed at 47 points. The public betting for this game currently has 58 percent going on Minnesota at home.
Gophers upset Purdue
Northwestern was able to lock up its Big Ten West title last week in part to Minnesota upsetting Purdue, 41-10 at home. The Gophers have won two of their last three games to move to 5-5 overall. They are 2-5 in the Big Ten, 6-4 against the spread and 6-4 with the over.
Minnesota has struggled on defense a big part of the year, allowing 29.6 points and 404.8 yards per game. They are giving up nearly 180 rushing yards per contest. Offensively, Minnesota is averaging 29.1 points and 391.2 yards per game on offense. Mohamed Ibrahim has rushed for 717 yards and five touchdowns to lead the offense while Tanner Morgan has thrown or 948 yards and six touchdowns after taking over the offense in recent weeks. Tyler Johnson is having a strong year at receiver. He has 948 receiving yards with nine touchdowns.
Wildcats win Big Ten West
Despite their being two weeks left in the regular season, Northwestern has punched its ticket to the Big Ten Championship Game following a 14-10 win at Iowa last week. The Wildcats are 6-4 on the year, 6-1 in the Big Ten, 5-3-2 against the spread and 5-5 with the over/under total. The Cats are 2-2-1 against the spread over their last five games.
Northwestern is relying on its defense this year. The Wildcats are giving up just 23.0 points and 373.1 yards per game. On offense, Northwestern is putting up 23.6 points and 353.5 yards per contest. Clayton Thorson has thrown for 2,335 yards and 12 touchdowns to lead the unit, but also has 12 interceptions. Isaiah Bowser has emerged as the leading rusher with 485 yards and four touchdowns, while Flynn Nagel has caught 63 passes for 744 yards and two touchdowns.
College Football Betting Trends
Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-1 against the spread in its last six home games and 24-9-2 ATS in their last 35 games in November.
Northwestern
Northwestern is 17-5 against the spread in their last 22 road games and 21-5-1 against the spread in their last 27 conference games.
Prediction:
This spread doesn’t seem right. Northwestern is the West champ and is somehow an underdog to Minnesota, a 2-5 Big Ten team. That means the oddsmakers want the money going on the Wildcats, which means you should probably jump on the Gophers. Northwestern doesn’t have anything to play for this week, as they have already locked up their spot in the Big Ten title game. Minnesota is seeking a bowl berth and the Gophers have picked up a little steam in recent weeks.
College Football Prediction: Minnesota -2
Related: Northwestern vs. Minnesota Total Prediction