The Miami (OH) RedHawks (+14) are set to face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (-14) at TCF Bank Stadium. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and fans can catch it live by tuning in to BTN.
Miami (OH) RedHawks at Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview
In this Saturday matchup, Minnesota has been projected as the big favorite and is currently giving up 14 points. The RedHawks are also receiving +500 moneyline odds while the Golden Gophers are -735. There might be some good in-game betting opportunities in this match.
The hapless RedHawks are 0-2 against the spread (ATS) and have lost 2.4 units so far. The team has posted an O/U record of 1-1. The Golden Gophers are up 1.0 unit for moneyline bettors this season. They’re 2-0 ATS and also have an O/U record of 1-1.
The RedHawks have gone a lousy 0-2 straight up (SU) in 2018 while the Golden Gophers are 2-0 SU.
The RedHawks fell to Cincinnati 21-0 in a thumping where Gus Ragland completed just 22 passes on 41 attempts for 139 yards and one interception. Alonzo Smith (six rushing yards on seven attempts) spearheaded the running attack in the loss. Kenny Young (nine receptions, 27 yards) and James Gardner (seven catches, 80 yards) handled the receiving duties.
Minnesota are coming off of a 21-14 win over Fresno State. The defense held its ground in the victory, keeping the Bulldogs to only 212 passing yards and 87 rushing yards. KeeSean Johnson was a bright spot in the loss, posting 89 yards on six catches for Fresno State. For Minnesota, Zack Annexstad completed 16-of-26 passes for 175 yards. Bryce Williams (87 yards on 25 rush attempts) and Seth Green (30 yards on 11 carries, two TDs) spearheaded the ground game in the win while Tyler Johnson (six receptions, 50 yards) and Rashod Bateman (five catches, 78 yards) led the pass-catching attack.
Miami (OH) has run the ball on 34.6 percent of its offensive possessions this year while Minnesota has an overall rush percentage of 60.5 percent. The RedHawks have produced 73 rush yards/game and have only one score via handoffs this year. The Gophers are averaging 214 rushing yards per game and have five total rush TDs.
It seems like the Gophers should hold an advantage when it comes to efficiency in the ground game, as their running backs has generated 4.6 yards per carry while their defense has allowed a YPC of 2.8 to opponents. The RedHawks have registered 3.2 yards per carry while allowing a YPC of 4.0 to opponents.
The RedHawks offensive scheme has averaged 248 yards through the air overall and has three passing TD so far. The Gophers have produced 201 pass yards per game and have two total pass scores.
On the defensive side of the ball, Miami (OH) appears to have the upper hand when it comes to limiting the pass. The team has allowed 180 rush yards and 159 pass yards per game. The Minnesota defense has given up 222.5 yards per game to opposing passers and 62.5 yards per game to opposing runners. The Gophers are allowing an adjusted net yards per pass attempt (ANY/A) of only 3.58 to opposing QBs, while the RedHawks have given up a 7.30 ANY/A.
Offensively, Ragland is up to 139 passing yards this season, and has completed 22-of-41 attempts with zero passing scores and one interception. He’s got a 2.29 adjusted net yards per pass attempt overall, although that number sits at 5.73 over the last two outings.
James Gardner (80 receiving yards this season), Kenny Young (10 rush yards, 27 receiving yards) and Jack Sorenson (-1 receiving yards) have all played key roles lately.
In the other locker room, Zack Annexstad has completed 16-of-26 passes for 175 yards, zero TDs and zero INTs. Annexstad’s ANY/A sits at 6.26 for the year and 7.15 over his past two games.
Rodney Smith (one rushing yards, 11 receiving yards this season), Tyler Johnson (50 receiving yards) and Rashod Bateman (78 receiving yards) have combined to account for 466 total yards and two touchdowns the past couple of games.
Free NCAA Betting Tip: Miami (OH) RedHawks vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
SU Winner – Minnesota, ATS Winner – Minnesota
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Notes
Team Betting Notes
The Minnesota offense has lost two fumbles this season while Miami (OH) has not lost any
The Minnesota defense has sacked opposing quarterbacks four times this season. Miami (OH) has registered two sacks.
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