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Gambling911.com has your Minnesota vs. Northwestern free pick and betting odds for Saturday’s Noon Eastern Time game.
Northwestern Wildcats -5
Not So Golden Gophers
The Golden Gophers are also a contender in the Big Ten West Division with a record of 3-1 but they have only covered one out of their four games against the spread. The Gophers have gone under the total in three out of four games. Minnesota ranks 29th in the nation for total defense but their offense continues to be a drag and ranks 120th nationally for scoring with an overall rank of 90th. Kill has done a nice job of making the Golden Gophers a respectable and competitive program but until the offense is fully developed this is a team that will have limitations as to how far it can go up the standings.
Time Tested Formula
The Wildcats are 4-0 straight up and 3-1 against the spread with all four of their games going under the total. Northwestern is coming off a 24-19 home win over Ball State but failed to cover the big 17 point spread. The Cats are similar to the Golden Gophers in that they emphasize defense and a punishing ground attack for their success. Northwestern ranks 11th nationally for total defense and third for points allowed. The Cats rank 15th in the nation for rushing yardage. Northwestern’s big opening day win over Stanford looks even more impressive now and gives them credibility as a true Big Ten Conference title contender.
Game Notes
Minnesota has come away with the money in five out of their last six meetings with Northwestern as the last four meetings between the Cats and Golden Gophers have gone under the total. With the playing styles of these two teams a call for the underdog and a low scoring game makes plenty of sense. This should be an old school Big Ten classic.
