Bowling Green Falcons (7-5) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-7)
Bowling Green Falcons vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers 12/26/23 – As the NCAA football season reaches its conclusion, the Quick Lane Bowl offers an intriguing matchup between Bowling Green Falcons and Minnesota Golden Gophers on Tuesday. Fans and bettors alike will relish this matchup as both teams boast disparate fortunes – the Falcons sporting a 7-5 record face Golden Gophers who have struggled to a 5-7 standing; those interested in NCAAF bowl daily free picks may find this contest particularly compelling as it presents many variables to take into account.
The Falcons have been an unexpected delight this season, particularly on offense. Running Back Terion Stewart has been key in their success with 762 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns to his credit at an astounding average of 6.1 yards per rush! Wide Receiver Ta’ron Keith, with 44 receptions and 457 receiving yards has also contributed greatly to adding depth to their offense and providing reliable options to quarterback Connor Bazelak.
Conversely, Minnesota Golden Gophers have faced challenges but have responded well. Darius Taylor has been an impressive performer at running back, amassing 591 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Daniel Jackson’s contributions as wide receiver include 831 receiving yards and eight touchdowns which offer hope during an otherwise challenging season.
Bowling Green Falcons vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers 12/26/23 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Ford Field |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Connor Bazelak QB vs. Athan Kaliakmanis QB
Connor Bazelak has given Bowling Green’s offense stability, completing 61% of his passes for 1,714 yards and 11 touchdowns. While he doesn’t boast elite arm strength, his quick decision-making and ability to spread the ball around have keyed the Falcons’ attack. However, Bazelak has had issues with turnovers, tossing seven interceptions. He must avoid mistakes against a Gophers defense capable of making plays.
Meanwhile, Kaliakmanis brings intriguing upside but lacks consistency. He’s thrown for 1,838 yards and 14 touchdowns, flashing arm talent and mobility within and outside of the pocket. Yet his 53.1% completion percentage and nine interceptions indicate room for improvement. Kaliakmanis must harness his explosive skill set and limit errors versus a Bowling Green defense opportunistic against passers.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Minnesota Golden Gophers -180, Total Odds: 39.5
The current betting odds slightly favor the Golden Gophers, despite their less impressive record. The point spread and moneyline reflect a belief in their potential to upset the Falcons. The total odds set at 39.5 suggest a low-scoring affair, possibly influenced by both teams’ defensive capabilities and recent form.
Bowling Green Falcons Betting Trends
The Falcons are 5-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games, covering in bunches during their hot streak. Bowling Green’s offense has caught fire, scoring 30+ points in four straight outings. The over has also hit in four of the Falcons’ previous five contests. However, Bowling Green is just 1-5 straight up in its last six meetings with Big Ten foes. The Falcons have also struggled on Tuesdays, going 2-9 straight up in their last 11 Tuesday showdowns.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends
Minnesota has disappointed bettors down the stretch, covering just once over its past five outings. The Gophers’ defense has sprung leaks, leading to the under cashing in four of the team’s last six matchups as they’ve conceded 30+ points three times during this stretch. On a positive note, Minnesota has owned Mid-American Conference opponents, prevailing in nine of its last 10 affairs against the MAC. But the under has hit in seven of the Gophers’ previous eight December clashes.
Bowling Green Falcons vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers 12/26/23 Betting Picks
Considering the statistics and trends, this game is poised to be a closely contested battle. The Falcons, with their dynamic offense, have the tools to challenge the Golden Gophers’ defense. However, Minnesota’s historical performance against Mid-American teams and their resilience in a tough season cannot be overlooked.
In terms of picks, while the Falcons seem to have the edge offensively, the Golden Gophers’ experience and record against similar opponents make them a tempting choice. For prop bets, looking at individual player performances, especially the quarterbacks and key running backs, could be profitable. The over/under presents a challenging decision, given the contrasting offensive and defensive trends of both teams. For those seeking premium top picks, careful consideration of these nuances is essential.
Free Pick and Prediction: Bowling Green Falcons 24, Minnesota Golden 14