As college football Week 13 unfolds, the No. 4 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (9-1, 6-1) are set to clash with the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-4, 4-3) at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The Nittany Lions are coming off a dominating 49-10 victory over Purdue, and their momentum is crucial as they vie for a spot in the College Football Playoffs. Meanwhile, Minnesota, fresh off a bye week, is eager to bounce back after a loss to Rutgers on November 9.
This matchup marks the first encounter between the two teams since their meeting in 2022, where Penn State triumphed with a score of 45-17. Notably, both teams enter this game without any injuries reported, indicating they will field their strongest lineups.
According to the latest betting lines, Penn State is favored by 11.5 points, while the total points over/under is set at 45. This game will be broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+, where fans can enjoy a 7-day free trial.
SportsLine’s predictive model, which has successfully generated significant betting profits, has focused its analysis on this matchup. It simulates every FBS game 10,000 times to create informed betting advice.
Minnesota has a solid chance of keeping the game competitive, thanks to its preparation and a defensive strategy that could challenge Penn State. The Gophers have been effective in limiting opponents to an average of just 296.4 total yards per game, and their passing defense ranks sixth in the Big Ten. Quarterback Max Brosmer also presents a dual threat, capable of executing both the pass and run effectively.
Conversely, Penn State seeks to capitalize on its historical edge, leading the all-time series against Minnesota 10-6 and having successfully conquered the Gophers in Minneapolis four times. Quarterback Drew Allar has shown consistency throughout the season, contributing to the Nittany Lions’ offensive strategy, especially as they lean on their running game.
As for predictions, SportsLine expects a combined score exceeding the 45-point threshold, highlighting the potential for an exciting game.
This matchup not only promises to showcase the talent of both teams but also adds to the competitive spirit of college football as the postseason approaches. Fans can look forward to an engaging battle as these teams vie for both pride and postseason positioning.