Penn State vs. Minnesota Prediction
Can No. 17 Minnesota earn its biggest win in some time today when the Golden Gophers play host to No. 4 Penn State at Noon ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
141 Penn State vs. 142 Minnesota
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Noon ET – TCF Bank Stadium
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, Penn State is favored on the road, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -6.5 points against Minnesota. The over/under total for the game is listed at 47.5 points. The public betting currently has 65 percent going on Penn State 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.
Minnesota looking to stay unbeaten
Minnesota has been the surprise team of the year thus far, getting out to an 8-0 start following a 52-10 win over Maryland two weeks ago. The Golden Gophers have won four straight by at least 23 points. They are 5-0 in the Big Ten, 5-2-1 against the spread and 5-3 with the over.
The Golden Gophers have been led by their defense this year, as they are giving up just 20 points and 283.8 yards per game this year. Offensively, Minnesota is averaging 38.4 points and 429.5 yards per game. Rodney Smith is leading the offense with 889 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while Tanner Morgan has thrown for 1,761 yards and 18 touchdowns with just four interceptions. Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson have combined for 74 receptions for 1,270 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Penn State coming off a bye
Penn State is coming off a bye week, but the Nittany Lions earned a 28-7 win at Michigan State two weeks ago. Penn State comes into this game 8-0 overall, 5-0 in the Big Ten, 5-3 against the spread and 5-3 with the under.
The Nittany Lions have been led by their defense this year as well, allowing just 9.6 points and 280.5 yards per game. That puts them in the top 10 nationally in both categories. Offensively, PSU is averaging 38.5 points and 424.4 yards per game. Sean Clifford is leading the Penn State offense this year with 1,931 passing yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 280 yards and three scores. KJ Hamler is his leading receiver with 620 yards on 37 catches with eight touchdowns, while Noah Cain is the leading rusher with 350 yards and six scores.
College Football Betting Trends
Minnesota
The Golden Gophers have covered the spread in six straight conference games and in five straight following a win.
Penn State
The Nittany Lions are 12-5 against the spread in their last 17 road games and 21-10-1 ATS in their last 32 conference games.
Prediction:
Penn State has won five of the last six against Minnesota, going 4-1-1 against the spread as well. The Nittany Lions look like the better team on paper and a certainly more battle-tested, but I like the Gophers with the points at home. Penn State has allowed opponents to stuck around in games like this. It led Michigan 28-0 and didn’t cover and then only won by five at Iowa. Minnesota has a respectable defense and I think it will be able to challenge the Penn State offense and I also think the Gophers will find enough scores to keep this game close.
College Football Week 11 Prediction: Minnesota +6.5
