Minnesota was a hot future market pick to win the Big Ten West. Following wins in its first four games, the Golden Gophers were a hot NCAA Football betting ticket. And then came a home loss to Purdue. Running back Mohamed Ibrahim was held out of the game. And his absence was felt by the Golden Gophers. Hence, Minnesota was upset by a tough and determined Purdue. Last week brought another tough loss at upstart Illinois. Bret Bielema’s Fighting Illini validated its new status as a Big Ten contender. Minnesota’s season is on the brink.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, October 22, 2022, 7:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania |
| TV Coverage: | ABC |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | +4½ (-110) | 44½ (-110) | +165 |  |
| Penn State | -4½ (-110) | 44½ (-110) | -195 | |
| ||||
Minnesota at Penn State SBG Odds Overview
In this situation, fans and gamblers will witness the annual Penn State “Whiteout.” It is one of the most electric crowds in sports. But with that comes an increased offshore bookmaker price. Oddsmakers know that the casual sector will get sucked into the hype of the Whiteout. And then know that Penn State will be a power-brand home favorite. By contrast, Wise Guys will be inclined to make a contrarian play on the capable Golden Gophers.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Overview
Last game, the Minnesota Golden Gophers lost 26-14 against the Illinois Fighting Illini as 4.5-point road dogs. The game went to a push on the total of 40. Minnesota has a record of 4-2 straight up, 4-2 against the spread, and 2-3-1 over/under the total. Minnesota ranks 39th for total offense, 94th for passing, 16th for rushing, and 38th for scoring. Defensively they rank 6th overall, 5th against the pass, 20th against the rush, and 4th for points allowed. Also, Minnesota ranks 28th for fewest turnovers lost and 62nd for takeaways.
Namely, Chase Brown rushed for 180 yards on a career-high 41 carries and caught a 40-yard touchdown pass. It was the perfect complement to the Illini’s strong defensive performance. Most important of all, the Illini became bowl-eligible for the first time since 2019 with their fifth straight win.
Mohamed Ibrahim rushed for 127 yards. Correlate it was his nation-leading 14th straight 100-yard game. Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan was held to just 21 yards on 4-for-12 passing. Following a head injury to Morgan, Athan Kaliakmanis entered for the Gophers and was intercepted twice.
Penn State Nittany Lions Team Overview
Last game, the Penn State Nittany Lions lost 41-17 against the Michigan Wolverines as 7-point road dogs. The game went over the total of 48.5. Penn State has a record of 5-1 straight up, 3-3 against the spread, and 4-2 over/under the total. Penn State ranks 63rd for total offense, 74th for passing, 45th for rushing, and 62nd for scoring. Defensively they rank 68th overall, 81st against the pass, 58th against the rush, and 23rd for points allowed. Also, Penn State ranks 62nd for fewest turnovers lost and 49th for takeaways.
In sum, Michigan finished with 418 yards rushing, gaining 7.6 yards per carry. And did so against a team that gave up fewer than 80 yards rushing per game. Penn State coach James Franklin lamented that his undersized defensive line was rendered helpless.
Minnesota at Penn State SBG Free Picks
Last week was a reminder that a power-running team has an NCAA Football Betting advantage against Penn State.
Minnesota at Penn State SBG Best Bet: Minnesota Golden Gophers.