Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1) vs. Northwestern Wildcats (1-2)
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Northwestern Wildcats 9/23/23 – The Week 4 showdown in the NCAAF features the Minnesota Golden Gophers squaring off against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. With Minnesota holding a respectable 2-1 standing and Northwestern lagging at 1-2, this Big Ten duel serves as a crucial juncture for both squads in the ongoing season.
On the Gophers’ side, the spotlight falls on key players like Running Back Darius Taylor and Wide Receiver Corey Crooms Jr. Taylor has been a dynamo in the rushing department, pulling off an impressive average of six yards per carry. In the aerial game, Crooms has emerged as a dependable asset, racking up an average of 11 yards per reception.
As for Northwestern, the team has leaned on noteworthy performances from Running Back Cam Porter and Wide Receiver Cam Johnson. Porter has maintained a solid average of 4.5 yards per rush, while Johnson has proven his mettle in the receiving game, amassing an average of 11.8 yards per catch. For free proven NCAAF picks, continue reading our analysis.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Northwestern Wildcats 9/23/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Ryan Field |
| TV: | BTN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Athan Kaliakmanis QB vs. Ben Bryant QB
Athan Kaliakmanis has shown a blend of promise and vulnerability so far. While he’s attempted 88 passes, he’s only completed 45 of them, leading to a 51.1% completion rate. His 5.1 yards per pass attempt indicate that the offense has been conservative and also point to his current limitations. Kaliakmanis has suffered 5 sacks and thrown 3 interceptions, affecting his passer rating, which stands at 90.6. The young quarterback’s decision-making under pressure will be crucial for Minnesota to succeed.
On the flip side, Ben Bryant of Northwestern also has room for improvement. Completing 55.2% of his passes, Bryant has thrown for 408 yards this season. With a passer rating of 95.3, he’s been slightly more efficient than his counterpart. However, Bryant has been sacked 8 times, losing 57 yards in the process. The quarterback’s ability to avoid turnovers and take calculated risks will be pivotal in this matchup.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Minnesota -430, Total Odds: 39.5
The betting odds currently favor Minnesota significantly, with a spread of -11 and a moneyline of -430. The total over/under for the game is set at 39.5. Given Minnesota’s stronger overall record but inconsistency against the spread, these odds offer a nuanced picture. For those looking to wager, it might be more prudent to consider the Moneyline despite its lower return potential, given the Gophers’ track record of outright wins. Additionally, the relatively low total points of 39.5 reflect the defensive tendencies of both teams, suggesting that this may be a low-scoring affair.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends
In a narrative sense, the Gophers have been struggling to meet expectations, as they are 1-5 Against The Spread (ATS) in their last 6 games. Despite this, they’ve been effective in the win column, with a 4-1 Straight Up (SU) record in their last 5 games. Interestingly, when it comes to games against Northwestern, they have a 6-3 SU record, which bodes well for them. However, their road game struggles are evident as they are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on the road.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends
Northwestern hasn’t been great in either the ATS or SU departments. They’re 6-12 ATS in their last 18 games and 1-13 SU in their last 14 games, showing a clear struggle to perform up to par. Particularly concerning is their 0-9 SU record against Big Ten opponents in recent games. The betting trends are not in Northwestern’s favor, indicating that they have much to prove in this upcoming matchup.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Northwestern Wildcats 9/23/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and betting trends, Minnesota seems the likely candidate for the win, but the -11 spread is a bit risky considering their recent ATS performance. Northwestern’s poor record both SU and ATS makes them an unattractive bet, despite the tempting +350 moneyline odds for an upset.
As for the over/under, the stats indicate that the total has often gone under in games involving either team. Given that both teams have offenses that haven’t been explosive, taking the under seems to be a safer bet. If you’re seeking more guidance on prop bets and other betting options, don’t forget to check out free proven sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Minnesota Golden Gophers 24, Northwestern Wildcats 10.
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