The Eastern Michigan Eagles and Minnesota Golden Gophers meet Saturday in week 2 college football action at Huntington Bank Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Preview

The Eastern Michigan Eagles look for another win after beating Howard in their season opener. Eastern Michigan looks for its first 2-0 start since the 2018 season. Austin Smith is completing 67.9 percent of his passes for 175 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Tanner Knue and Jere Getzinger have combined for 100 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Andreas Paaske has 1 reception. The Eastern Michigan Eagles ground game is averaging 110 yards per contest, and Samson Evans leads the way with 52 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Eastern Michigan is allowing 23 points and 398 yards per game. Joe Sparacio leads the Eastern Michigan Eagles with 10 tackles, Tim Grant-Randall has 1.5 sacks and Kempton Shine has 1 pass deflection.

Eastern Michigan Eagles Team Facts

• Eastern Michigan has won six of its last seven games as an underdog.
• Eastern Michigan has covered the spread in each of its last seven games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Eastern Michigan has won the first half in five of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
• Six of Eastern Michigan’s last seven September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers also look for a win after beating Nebraska last week. Minnesota looks for its sixth 2-0 start in the last 8 years. Athan Kaliakmanis is completing 54.5 percent of his passes for 196 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Daniel Jackson and Corey Crooms Jr. have combined for 131 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Brevyn Spann-Ford has 5 receptions. The Minnesota Golden Gophers ground game is averaging 55 yards per contest, and Sean Taylor leads the way with 41 yards on 10 carries. Defensively, Minnesota is allowing 10 points and 295 yards per game. Tre’Von Jones leads the Minnesota Golden Gophers with 9 tackles, Danny Striggow has 1.5 sacks and Tyler Nubin has 2 interceptions.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Facts

• Minnesota has won 26 of its last 27 games against non-conference opponents.
• The underdog has covered the spread in each of Minnesota’s last four games.
• Minnesota has won the first half in 18 of its last 19 games against non-conference opponents.
• Minnesota has won the first quarter in each of its last six games against non-conference opponents at Huntington Bank Stadium.
• Seven of Minnesota’s last eight games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Minnesota ranked 1st among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (2.8).
• Minnesota ranked 1st among FBS teams for H1 points allowed per game last season (6.1).
• Eastern Michigan ranked T16th among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.692).
• Eastern Michigan was one of only 17 FBS teams with a better road winning percentage (.833) than home winning percentage (.500) last season (min. 8 games).

Randy’s Pick

The Eastern Michigan Eagles didn’t look great against Howard, but the defense came to play and that pass rush could have some success in this contest. The Minnesota Golden Gophers have an inexperienced quarterback who was sacked 3 times last week, and the offense overall appears to be a work in progress. Also, Minnesota has a ranked UNC on deck next week, so this is a look ahead spot. I just don’t think the Golden Gophers have the horses offensively to open this game up. Give me Eastern Michigan and the points.