NCAAF Picks: The Minnesota Golden Gophers are again using their new recipe for success in which they load up on cupcakes for the non-conference schedule and are now ready to open the Big Ten Conference schedule with confidence. The Michigan Wolverines are in a crisis of confidence as they are regressing under fourth year head coach Brady Hoke and coming off a demoralizing and uninspired loss to Utah at the Big House last week.
The Michigan Wolverines will host the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday at Michigan Stadium with coverage on ESPN2 or ABC starting at 3:30 PM ET. Michigan is a 12-point favorite. Please check BetDSI for the latest NCAAF odds.
Not so Golden Gophers
Minnesota is 3-1 straight up, 2-2 against the spread, with a 1-3 mark under the total. Under head coach Jerry Kill the Gophers have developed into a gritty team that is somewhat effective at running the ball but hopelessly ineffective with the pass and ranking 124th overall nationally so far for yardage by air. The defense ranks a respectable 35th for points allowed. Running back David Cobb is averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Minnesota is coming off a 24-7 home payout over San Jose State.
Pitiful Helpless Wannabe Giant
Michigan is 2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS, and 1-3 under the total. Michigan is coming off a 26-10 home loss to Utah that exposed their horribly inept offense which is quickly dragging down their season. Michigan is ranked 94th in the nation for scoring offense but does have a respectable defense that ranks eighth overall nationally.
Matchup and Pick
Minnesota has been a decent board value on the road with six payouts in their last nine away games with just three out of their last eight away games going under the total. Michigan has been at their best against the NCAAF odds at home with 13 payouts in their last 20 games at the Big House as eight out of their last 11 home games have gone over the total. Michigan has dominated this head-to-head series with Minnesota as the Maize and Blue have paid out in nine out of their last 11 games against the Gophers with the last three meetings in this head to head series going over the total. Based on its dominance in this series we’ll call for Michigan (-12) and over the total.
