In Week 13 of college football, the highly anticipated matchup in the Big Ten sees the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions set to visit the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. The Nittany Lions come into this game boasting a strong record of 9-1 and are coming off an impressive 49-10 victory over Purdue. To maintain their position for a spot in the College Football Playoffs, Penn State needs to keep winning.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Golden Gophers, with a record of 6-4, are looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Rutgers prior to their bye week. This matchup marks their first encounter since 2022 when Penn State dominated the game with a 45-17 victory at home. Both teams are currently healthy going into the contest, with no injuries reported.
According to the latest betting odds, Penn State is favored by 11.5 points, with a total points over/under set at 45. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has successfully predicted outcomes for various college football games this season, has examined every aspect of the game and produced insights on potential betting picks.
Reasons Minnesota could cover the spread include their defensive strengths and a two-week preparation period. The Gophers boast a notable defense, allowing an average of only 296.4 total yards per game and ranking sixth in passing defense in the Big Ten. This could pose a challenge for Penn State’s quarterback Drew Allar, who will need to be efficient for the Nittany Lions.
Conversely, Penn State’s advantages lie in previous wins against Minnesota and their overall success in the season against conference teams. Allar has displayed consistent passing ability, completing less than 65% of his throws only twice this season. With Minnesota struggling against the run, the Nittany Lions may leverage their running game with talents like Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton to gain a foothold.
As the game looms, SportsLine’s model favors a total score projection of 47 points, indicating a high-scoring affair could unfold. With these two teams facing each other, fans can expect an engaging showdown filled with strategies and preparation.
Overall, both teams have sound reasons to believe they can secure a favorable outcome, and this rivalry matchup promises to be an exciting contest for college football fans. Whether you’re rooting for the Nittany Lions aiming for playoff contention or the Golden Gophers looking to secure a significant home win, this game stands as a highlight in the season’s final stretch.