Free NCAA Football Prediction: Golden Gophers vs. Wildcats Odds
Looking for Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Northwestern Wildcats free picks? College football betting sees the Golden Gophers taking on the Wildcats on Saturday, October 30th at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football game Week 9 predictions like this Minnesota Northwestern free pick.
College Football Handicapping Analysis: Week 9
(5-2, 3-1) Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Northwestern Wildcats (3-4, 1-3)
Date: Saturday, October 30th, 2021
Time: 3:30 PM EST
Venue: Ryan Field, Evanston, Illinois
NCAA Football ATS Spread Odds: Minnesota -7.5 / Northwestern +7.5 (Bet Now!)
NCAA Football Moneyline Odds: Golden Gophers -300, Wildcats +250
NCAA Betting Total Odds: O/U 43.5
The Minnesota Golden Gophers will put their unbeaten road record on the line as they travel down to take on the Northwestern Wildcats for a BIG10 showdown.
These teams last played on November 23rd, 2019 at Ryan Field. The #10 Golden Gophers jumped out to a 21-9 lead at halftime and held on to win 38-22.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
After being upset at home by Bowling Green 14-20, the Golden Gophers have rattled off three straight conference wins and sit atop the BIG10 West with Iowa.
Last week, Minnesota faced Maryland at home and used a huge day on the ground to roll the Terrapins 34-16. The Gophers run game accounted for 326 of their 451 total yards and all four touchdowns were on the ground.
Ky Thomas was the leading rusher with 139 yards on 21 carries, Mar’Keise Irving added 105 yards on 15 carries, Bryce Williams followed with 48 yards on 13 carries, and Cole Kramer rounded out the group with 30 yards on 6 carries. All four ball carriers scored a touchdown.
The Golden Gophers offense has been below average in the Big Ten, averaging the 9th most yards per game with 359.7. They average 26.6 points per game, right in the middle of the conference at 7th best for scoring.
Minnesota’s defense has been solid relative to years past, allowing just 312 yards per game which is 5th best in the conference. The teams scoring defense is only surrendering 19.6 points per game which is surprisingly only good for 9th best in the stout BIG10 conference.
Northwestern Wildcats
After a solid 21-7 win over Rutgers at home the Wildcats were faced with the challenge of traveling to Ann Arbor to play the #6 Michigan Wolverines. Northwestern hung tight and only were behind 7-10 at half but had no answer after the break and were rolled 7-33.
The Northwestern defense lived up their conference worst ranking as they allowed the Wolverines to total 457 yards of offense, more notably 297 yards on the ground.
The Wildcats offense has been below average in the Big Ten, averaging the 10th most yards per game with 354.4. They average just 19.7 points per game, second worst in the conference.
Northwestern’s defense has been horrendous this season, they are currently allowing 417.4 yards per game which is worst in the conference. The teams scoring defense is 3rd worst, surrendering 25.1 points per game.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- Minnesota is 4-2-1 ATS this season
- Minnesota UNDERS are 4-3 this season
- Northwestern is 2-5 ATS this season
- Northwestern UNDERS are 4-3 this season
4* Free Week 9 NCAA Betting Pick: Northwestern +7.5
Minnesota has been playing solid in conference games this season and sit atop the BIG10 West. Meanwhile, Northwestern has taken a gigantic step back from last season and sit at the bottom of the BIG10 West.
Nonetheless, Pat Fitzgerald is a great coach and he has gotten his team ready to play countless times. Northwestern is 3-1 at home this season with the loan loss being the home opener against the now #10 Michigan State Spartans.
Minnesota has had many close games this season and I think this game may sneak up on the Gophers.
I think Minnesota will win this game but I think this game could be close throughout. I’m taking Northwestern to hang tough at home and cover this line.
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