Week 12: Buckeyes vs Golden Gophers Picks
Week 12 college betting action sees the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes taking on the No. 25 Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Cappers Picks provides free college football handicapping tips all season long.
Entering this contest, the Buckeyes come off arguably their most impressive win under Head Coach Urban Meyer after their week 11 win over Michigan State.
College Football Odds
#8 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-1) vs. #25 Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-2)
Saturday, Nov. 15
12:00 PM ET
TCF Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, Minn.)
ABC
College Football Betting Lines: Ohio State -12
College Football O/U: 56.5
***2014 CFB BONUSES***
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]Click here to view… ATS Stats & Expert NCAA Betting Prediction Insight!
With the Buckeyes back in the discussion for a spot in the BCS Playoffs, Ohio State will look to boost their resume with a road win over 25th ranked Minnesota.
Ohio State
Ohio State couldn’t have asked for anything more from their Week 11 game in East Lansing vs Michigan State. Under the lights and with College Gameday in attendance, Ohio State found the end zone 7 times en route to their 49-37 victory against the Spartans.
[dfads params=’groups=63738&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
The Buckeyes have put themselves into the driver’s seat in the Big Ten East division, only needing to win 2 of their last 3 games to clinch a spot in the Big Ten Title game. That being said, Ohio State has set their sights on running the table and sneaking into the BCS Playoff.
Ohio State’s prolific offense, led by Freshman QB J.T. Barrett is averaging 46.0 points per game (4th). The defense has stepped up tremendously, only allowing 21.8 points per game (25th).
The fast paced Buckeye’s offense has been tough to stop in recent weeks, thanks in large part to explosive plays from Barrett and Sophomore RB Ezekiel Elliot. Elliot ran for 2 touchdowns and and 154 yards against a stellar Michigan State defense, which was only allowing 108.1 yards per game on the ground.
Minnesota
The Golden Gophers have been the shock of the Big Ten this season. The No. 25 Golden Gophers have given themselves a chance to control their own destiny in the Big Ten West. However, that road is going to involve three 3 ranked opponents.
[dfads params=’groups=66501&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Minnesota’s RB David Cobb is ninth in the nation with 1,205 rush yards. As a team, the Golden Gophers average 224.3 rush yards per game, which is good for 27th in the country. For Minnesota to have any chance of pulling off the upset, they will have to continue to get push from their offensive line and let David Cobb gain chunks of yards on 1st and 2nd down.
If Minnesota can establish a ground game against the Buckeyes defense, it could open up the pass lanes for QB Matt Leidner, who looks to build off last week’s success. Leidner threw for 4 touchdowns in the victory over Iowa. This was the first time we really saw any passing success for the Golden Gophers, as they average only 140.2 pass yards per game (122nd).
Minnesota Coach Jerry Kill told the media that a win over Ohio State would be a huge step in continuing the progress of moving Golden Gopher football forward. It will also continue their progress toward a spot in the Big Ten Championship game.
Minnesota is 6-0 in TCF Bank Stadium this season and will look to send their Seniors out with a 7th home win on Senior day.
Ohio State will try to avoid the let down game after last week’s big win. Urban Meyer called his team “Championship caliber” this past week and should have them ready for the challenge. For any chance to sneak into the Playoff, the Buckeyes will have to win and win in grand fashion in their last 3 regular season games.
Having Minnesota currently ranked is a bonus for the Buckeyes.
[dfads params=’groups=63739&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends:
- Golden Gophers are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 conference games.
- Buckeyes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games on field turf.
- Over is 7-0 in Buckeyes last 7 conference games.
This is will be the last regular season opportunity for the Buckeyes to add a victory over a ranked opponent to their Playoff resume.
Free NCAA Betting Pick Ohio State -12
Minnesota is no easy task, especially at home. That being said, Ohio State is clicking on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. Minnesota will keep this close early, but Urban Meyer and this Buckeye team know they must impress the Playoff Committee.
Ohio State 48, Minnesota 21.
The Buckeyes don’t shy away from adding a couple late touchdowns to make the win look better.
Check out our Updated College Football Week 12 Odds.
[dfads params=’groups=63706&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
