This week’s 12 CFB showdown between the Golden Gophers and Buckeyes can be found on BTN at 4:00 (11/18/23). The game will be held at Ohio Stadium in Columbus (OH). Ohio State comes into this Big Ten matchup, as the -27.5 point home favorite. Keep reading to get my analysis on how this game plays out.

MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS VS OHIO STATE BUCKEYES BETTING PICK

The Pick: Minnesota Golden Gophers +27.5

This game will be played at Ohio Stadium at 4:00 ET on Saturday, November 18th.

WHY BET THE MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS:

  • We have this one finishing with a projected score of 39-12 in favor of Ohio State.
  • Even though we have Ohio State winning straight-up, we like Minnesota at +27.5.
  • The over/under is currently sitting at 50 points, and we like the over with a projected 51 points.

Are the Golden Gophers Ready for a Road Win?

With a 5-5 record, the Minnesota Golden Gophers take on Ohio State. Their road record so far is (1-2) and at home (4-2).

Minnesota’s average scoring differential for the season is -3.3 leading to an ATS mark of 3-6. The Golden Gophers have been favored six times and the underdog in three games

Minnesota has put together an over/under record of 4-5 throughout this season. The average combined score in their games has been 48.3 points, and the standard over/under line has stood at 44 points.

Minnesota’s rushing attack is ranked 23rd in college football with 396 rushing attempts per game. This has translated into an average of 161.7 rushing yards per game, placing them 62nd nationally. On average, they are attempting 24.8 passes per game leading to 158.2 passing yards per contest. In terms of scoring, they hold the 81st position, averaging 22.5 points per game.

The Golden Gophers defense comes into the game with 22 sacks, and ranked 1st in QB hurries. In terms of points allowed, they are giving up 25.8 points per game (94th). When it comes to defending the pass, they are ranked 94th in the NCAA, allowing an average of 226.6 passing yards per game. Additionally, Minnesota’s run defense comes in allowing 137.7 rushing yards per contest.

Is a Home Win Possible for the Buckeyes?

Ohio State is heading into this week’s game with a record of 10-0. Over the course of this season, they’ve played five road games and four home games.

This season, Ohio State has a scoring margin of +23.4. Their ATS record stands at 5-2-2 and they have been favored in all of their games.

Across 10 games, the average over/under line in Ohio State’s matchups is 52.8 points. These games have seen an average combined score of 43.2 points, resulting in an OU record of 2-7.

Ohio State’s offense has put up an average of 33.3 points per game, placing them 29th in the NCAA rankings. Through the air, they’ve gained 290.2 passing yards on average, ranking 20th in the nation. On the ground, they’re holding the 87th position in rushing yards, with 329 rushing attempts per game this season.

As we head into this week’s game, the Ohio State defense ranks 43rd for points allowed, with an average of 9.9 points per game. Teams have been gaining 149.9 passing yards per game against them (13th nationally). Against the run, they’ve given up 112.4 rushing yards, placing them 32nd in college football.