In this article we will formulate a Minnesota vs Nebraska prediction for this College Football game on Friday, October 17th at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 8 matchup.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 4-2 (2-1) this year after they defeated Purdue by a score of 27-20 last week. Minnesota trailed 17-13 at halftime and 20-13 after the third quarter, but scored 14 points in the fourth for the win. The Golden Gophers were out gained by a total of 456-262, went 5-15 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a margin of 4-1 in the game. Drake Lindsey went 21-45 for 232 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Darius Taylor rushed for 32 yards on 14 carries. Taylor also led the receivers with six catches for 67 yards in the win. The Minnesota defense recorded zero sacks and two tackles for loss in the game.
The Golden Gophers also have wins against Rutgers, Northwestern State, and Buffalo, while losing to Ohio State and California. Minnesota has won two of their last three games and they are currently tied for fourth in the Big Ten standings. The Golden Gophers have scored 27.3 points per game with 228.5 passing yards and 112.3 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 21.2 points against per game this season. Drake Lindsey has thrown for 1,284 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Javon Tracy has 16 receptions for 253 yards and two scores this year.
Nebraska Cornhuskers Betting Preview
The Nebraska Cornhuskers are 5-1 (2-1) this season after they defeated Maryland by a score of 34-31 last week. Nebraska led 24-17 at halftime, but trailed 31-24 in the fourth, before scoring the last 10 points for the victory. The Cornhuskers out gained Maryland by a total of 453-379, went 3-7 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a margin of 3-0 in the game. Dylan Raiola went 20-29 for 260 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Emmett Johnson rushed 21 times for 176 yards. Nyziah Hunter led the receivers with five catches for 125 yards and two scores in the win. The Nebraska defense recorded one sack and four tackles for loss in the game.
Nebraska also has wins over Michigan State, Houston Christian, Akron, and Cincinnati, but did lose to Michigan by a score of 30-27 at home. The Cornhuskers have won two games in a row and they are also tied for fourth in the Big Ten. Nebraska has scored 45.0 points per game with 310.2 passing yards and 139.8 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 18.7 points against per game this season. Dylan Raiola has thrown for 1,591 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Emmett Johnson has rushed 105 times for 650 yards and seven scores this season.
Why the Minnesota Golden Gophers will win
- The home team has won each of Minnesota’s last six games.
- Nebraska has lost each of its last four games at Huntington Bank Stadium.
- Nebraska has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight October games as a favorite.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of the last four games between Nebraska and Minnesota.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Minnesota’s last 10 October games as a home underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of Nebraska’s last five games have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Minnesota has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of three points or less of any FBS team this season (1).
- Minnesota ranks T123rd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (33.3).
- Nebraska ranks 1st among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (118.0).
- Three of Nebraska’s six games this season have been decided by a margin of three points or less – equal-most amongst FBS teams.
Minnesota vs Nebraska Prediction
Both of these teams come into this matchup with a 2-1 record in conference play, so this is a very important game for each side. Minnesota had trouble getting by Purdue last week and they were blown out by Ohio State prior to that. Nebraska had turnover issues against Maryland and they have allowed at least 27 points in three straight games. I think Minnesota is the better defensive team and that is going to keep them in this one. Take the Golden Gophers with the points at home.
David Racey is 70-48 (59%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!