In Week 13 of college football, the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (9-1, 6-1) are poised to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-4, 4-3) in a highly anticipated matchup airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. This game is crucial for Penn State as they strive to maintain their momentum following an impressive 49-10 victory over Purdue last week, which has kept their College Football Playoff aspirations alive. Minnesota, on the other hand, is eager to rebound from their recent loss to Rutgers and has had a bye week to prepare for this clash at home.
This matchup holds significance as it is the first face-off since 2022, when Penn State dominated Minnesota with a 45-17 victory. Fortunately for both teams, there are no injury concerns heading into this game, which means they will be at full strength.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at TCF Bank Stadium, where Penn State is favored by 11.5 points according to the latest betting odds. The over/under for total points is set at 45, reflecting some adjustments from initial predictions. Betting predictions and insights from the SportsLine Projection Model, known for its impressive track record, can provide valuable guidance for those looking to place bets.
Fans can watch the game live on CBS or enjoy a 7-day free trial on Paramount+ for streaming. The betting model used for predictions simulates FBS games 10,000 times, producing over $2,000 in profit for $100 players by focusing on its top-rated college spread picks.
Despite being the underdogs, Minnesota has reasons to feel optimistic. Their preparation during the bye week, coupled with their defensive capabilities, could help them keep the game competitive. Allowing just 296.4 total yards per game, the Golden Gophers possess one of the strongest defenses Penn State has faced recently, and they aim to apply pressure on Penn State’s quarterback, Drew Allar.
Conversely, Penn State holds a historical advantage with a 10-6 series lead and has had success playing at Minnesota. With Allar showcasing consistent performance this season, the Nittany Lions are likely to lean on their running game to exploit the Gophers’ defensive weaknesses.
Looking ahead, the SportsLine model predicts a total of 47 combined points, suggesting an engaging offensive showcase. This game not only presents an exciting opportunity for Penn State to solidify their playoff hopes but also for Minnesota to showcase their tenacity and resilience at home.
Overall, this matchup promises to be thrilling, with both teams having valid arguments for success. As fans tune in, they can hope for a competitive game filled with intensity and strategic plays.