Arguably the biggest game happening in the opening weekend of Big Ten college football betting action will take place in Minnesota, where the Golden Gophers host Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines.
With 2020 being as crazy as it is, maybe this will finally be the year Harbaugh leads Michigan to a win over Ohio State. But probably not. Meanwhile, Minnesota is out to prove that 2019 was no fluke.
Let’s take a look at our best college football predictions for Michigan at Minnesota, scheduled for Saturday, October 24 at 7:30 ET.
Michigan Wolverines vs Minnesota Golden Gophers betting preview
Weather
It’s going to be a cold day to start the season. The forecast in Minneapolis is calling for cloudy skies and temperatures around the freezing mark. And there is even a small chance for some snow. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key Injuries
Michigan: David Ojabo LB (Questionable), Jordan Morant DB (Questionable), Nico Collins WR (Out), Dylan McCaffrey QB (Out).
Minnesota: Demetrius Douglas WR (Out).
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting trend to know
Minnesota backers sure didn't think the Golden Gophers were a fluke, as they covered the spread in six of their final seven games last year. Find more NCAA football betting trends for Michigan vs. Minnesota.
Against the spread (ATS) pick
Michigan is coming off a disappointing 9-4 campaign in 2019, but all four losses were bad and high-profile. The Wolverines looked outmatched in games against Wisconsin, Penn State, Alabama in the Citrus Bowl, and of course, Harbaugh’s yearly defeat to Ohio State.
The Wolverines will need to take some big strides if they hope to avoid more outcomes like those, starting with quarterback. Right now, it’s sounding like redshirt sophomore Joe Milton will be the name under center. Milton is a big-armed QB with the ability to run if the pocket breaks down—but he has just 10 career attempts.
Michigan also has to deal with several opt-outs, including Milton’s projected top target in wide receiver Nico Collins, and the offensive line will feature four new starters.
So, if this is the year the Wolverines get over the hump, it’s their defense that will have to do a lot of the heavy lifting. The front seven should be one of the best in the Big Ten, but the secondary will have some questions to answer having to replace three starters.
That might not bode well going against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers have one of the most dynamic duos in the country in QB Tanner Morgan and WR Rashod Bateman (who is grading out like a first-round pick for the NFL draft). Morgan is coming off a year where he threw for 3,253 yards with 30 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, with 1,219 yards and 11 scores going to Bateman.
P.J. Fleck proved this team will show up in big games, with wins versus Penn State and Auburn as underdogs. Minnesota shouldn’t be getting three points at home in this matchup, as Michigan is just dealing with too much turnover. The Gophers have a very good chance to win this and take home the Little Brown Jug. Row the boat.
PREDICTION: Minnesota +3 (-110)
Over/Under pick
Both Michigan and Minnesota were great Over bets in 2019, each going 9-4 O/U. The Over is also 6-0 in the last six meetings between these Big Ten foes, but don’t go running to the betting window to bet the Over just yet.
First of all, despite both being in the Big Ten and featuring a pretty cool rivalry trophy, these teams have not faced off since 2017, and in that game, the total was 38.5, so there isn’t really much you can take from that. On top of that, this game is going to be cold, and there hasn’t been much time to practice, so there will be rust to knock off. Michigan’s offense could struggle, while its defense could put up a fight. The Minnesota defense is also underrated and while it has to replace some key pieces should be a sneaky-solid unit once again.
Mix in a number that is decently high and this one should stay below the number as both teams settle into their 2020 seasons.
PREDICTION: Under 55 (-110)
First Team to Score Prop Pick
We have mentioned that the Michigan offense could take a little while to get rolling, with a young quarterback and offensive line. Meanwhile, the Golden Gophers have a golden duo that can strike at any time in Morgan and Bateman. That chemistry is a big edge for Minnesota and makes them a good bet to score first in this game.
PREDICTION: Team to score first: Minnesota (-107)
Michigan vs Minnesota betting card
- Minnesota +3 (-110)
- Under 55 (-110)
- Team to Score First - Minnesota (-107)
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