Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-0) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-0)
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers 9/9/23 – The Eastern Michigan Eagles and the Minnesota Golden Gophers both enter their upcoming game with a 1-0 record, setting the stage for an intriguing battle. Scheduled for September 9, 2023, at 7:30 PM ET at Huntington Bank Stadium and airing on BTN, the contest promises to be a litmus test for both teams. The Gophers are the heavy favorites, as per the betting odds, but the Eagles have shown a knack for upsetting the odds in the recent past. The Big Ten powerhouse versus the Mid-American Conference upstart—this game will offer much more than what initially meets the eye.
Eastern Michigan’s running back, Samson Evans, has contributed 52 rushing yards on 16 attempts, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. While these numbers are modest, Evans has already found the end zone once this season. Meanwhile, Tanner Knue, the team’s leading wide receiver, has made 8 catches for 73 yards, with an average of 9.1 yards per reception. Knue’s performance, marked by a touchdown, hints at a reliable target for the Eagles in the passing game.
Sean Tyler, Minnesota’s running back, has garnered 41 rushing yards in 10 attempts, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, although he has yet to score. In the receiving corps, Daniel Jackson has become a name to watch. With 9 catches and 68 receiving yards, he is clearly a favored target for the Golden Gophers. His average of 7.6 yards per catch and a touchdown to his name indicate he could be a critical piece in the Minnesota offense. Check out our free Football picks for more insights.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Huntington Bank Stadium |
| TV: | BTN |
| Stream: | SofaScore |
Austin Smith QB vs. Athan Kaliakmanis QB
The quarterback matchup is essential for analyzing the dynamics of this game. Eastern Michigan’s Austin Smith has completed 19 of his 28 passing attempts, boasting a completion percentage of 67.9%. His 175 passing yards and 6.3 yards per attempt indicate a quarterback who’s effective but not necessarily explosive. He has thrown one touchdown and one interception, with a passer rating of 125. Importantly, Smith has not been sacked, displaying his mobility and awareness.
On the other hand, Minnesota’s Athan Kaliakmanis has a less impressive completion rate of 54.5%, completing 24 out of 44 passes. His 196 passing yards are modest, and with 4.5 yards per attempt, the numbers reflect a more conservative passing game. He has also been sacked three times, losing 12 yards in the process. Kaliakmanis’ passer rating of 94.9 trails that of his Eastern Michigan counterpart.
When comparing the two quarterbacks, Smith seems more efficient but less adventurous, whereas Kaliakmanis appears to take more risks, which has resulted in both gains and losses for his team.
Odds/Point Spread: Minnesota Golden Gophers -1300, Total Odds: 43
The odds have Eastern Michigan at a spread of +20 at -110, with a moneyline of +790. Minnesota is heavily favored with a spread of -20 at -110 and a moneyline of -1300. The total over/under is set at 48.
Eastern Michigan Eagles Betting Trends
Eastern Michigan boasts an impressive 5-2 ATS in their last seven games and are 5-0 SU in their last five matchups. Even on the road, they have been strong, with a 5-1 SU record in their last six away games. The total has generally gone OVER in their recent games, including 6 of their last 7 games played in September.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends
Minnesota has a less impressive betting history with a 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games, although they are 6-1 SU in their last seven games. Their totals have typically gone UNDER in recent games, including all five of their last home games. They perform well against Mid-American teams, with an 8-1 SU record.
Eastern Michigan Eagles vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers 9/9/23 Betting Picks
Looking at all the data, including key players, odds, and betting trends, Minnesota is likely to win but covering a 20-point spread may be a stretch. Eastern Michigan’s recent performance suggests they can put up a fight and possibly beat the spread. I would suggest taking Eastern Michigan with the points. Given Eastern Michigan’s strong recent performance and their capable quarterback, they are likely to keep the game closer than the odds suggest. Expect Minnesota to win but Eastern Michigan to cover the spread. For more insights, check out our VIP sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Minnesota Golden Gophers will win 31-17.