Categories
NCAA Football

Minnesota vs. Northwestern Free Pick – Odds & Week 8 Predictions

Minnesota vs. Northwestern NCAA Football Spread/Handicapping

Northwestern is falling in the rankings and will look to rebound after a shellacking in last week’s matchup at Camp Randall Stadium, when they host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday in Evanston.

Minnesota (4-2) vs. Northwestern (4-2)
Date: Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013
Time: 12 p.m. EST
Venue: Ryan Field
City: Evanston
O/U Odds: 53 1/2
Spread:  Northwestern  -12 1/2 
The Gophers have dropped two in a row after losing to the Michigan Wolverines, 42-13 on Saturday.
[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]

ATS Matchup Stats | Gambling Insight!

Check out our in-house Handicapper!!! Buy Razor Ray’s NCAA FOOTBALL Picks Today!

Minnesota was unable to slow down Devin Funchess, who racked up 151 receiving yards as the Wolverines  ripped off 348 yards.

CLICK TO GRAB OUR Expert CFB Picks for 2013 NCAA FOOTBALL Betting!

If the Gophers surrender that amount of real estate to the Wildcats, it could get ugly early.

Minnesota is ranked 44th in the nation in scoring offense and defensively their numbers are solid but considering that the Gophers have played a cupcake of a  schedule so far, a 4-2 record is much less  impressive.

Meanwhile, the Wildcats were hammered in their last outing, as Wisconsin ran up a 35-6 score against them, which is likely to have them even more amped up come Saturday.

They have a good chance to regroup against the Gophers. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Despite the loss to Michigan, the Cats’ are a very good team and rank a decent 35th nationally in scoring offense, putting up a respectable 33 points per game.

Defensively, however, the team needs some tweaking, but does do one thing well —  force turnovers.  The Wildcats are averaging nearly three turnovers  per game, ranking them sixth in the nation.

And while turnovers are hard to predict especially when trying to determine the game’s overall outcome, you have to factor that in with the Wildcats.

Another factor in this one, is that everyone knows, including the Wildcats that Minnesota loves to run the ball.

So, it’s only logical they will be forced out of their comfort zone, taking to the air where they are horrific, completing just 52 percent of their passes on the season, for an average of six yards per attempt.

If the Gophers are unable to establish a ground game it’s curtains.

Matt’s Free Prediction

The Gophers usually play the Wildcats pretty tough, and were within striking distance of win last season in Minnesota, falling to 21-13.

So, with just under a two-touchdown spread, the play here is on the total.

For my free prediction, take the under here.  The score may not be as low as it was last season, but the over looks to be a bit much.

Northwestern 28, Minnesota 17

By Matt Martz

Matt has returned to CappersPicks.com. The pull was too great. He missed providing his free picks and insider sports gambling analysis to his loyal readers. Please take it easy on him till he gets back into his groove. Cheers!