Written August 22, 2022 by Dalton Cohea
In 2021, the Golden Gophers went 8-4. Of the 8 wins, the best is by far the upset Minnesota delivered at home against No. 14 Wisconsin 23-13. Minnesota hit the over on their win total last year, and are going to do the same this year with nearly the same roster.
Minnesota returns 69% of their production from last year. This is a great percentage, but there is more to it than that. Tanner Morgan, 6th year quarterback, has played in 42 games for Minnesota. Not only is the Q a 6th year senior, but so is the running back, Mohamed Ibrahim. Before a season ending injury, Ibrahim had 30 carries for 163 yards against Ohio State in the first game of the 2021 season. No one knows what the final of that game could have been if Ibrahim stays healthy, nonetheless his presence was made known. The experience does not stop here for Minnesota, 9 out of 11 starters on BOTH sides of the ball are in at least their 4th year of college football.
Enough with telling you how old these Gophers are, let’s break down this schedule.
A 3-0 start is automatic, facing New Mexico State, Colorado, and Western Illinois all at home.
Week 4 things get a little dicey. The Gophers have their first away game at Spartan Stadium to take on Michigan State. Minnesota will definitely be the dog here, and will face a tough task to get a W, 3-1.
The next two games are at favorable locations, getting Purdue at home and Illinois on the road. Purdue will not be an easy opponent, but the Gopher defense will get it done, 5-1.
After the Illinois game, Minnesota will go on the road and face Penn State. With this being the infamous whiteout game, and just the fact of Penn State having a solid football team this year the Gophers are in trouble, 5-2.
Game number 8 is Rutgers at home. 6-2, that simple.
These next 3 games are crucial for this bet. Nebraska on the road, Northwestern and Iowa both at home. If you’re Minnesota you have to get 2 of these, doesn’t matter which 2, but you have to get 2. Obviously the two likely ones are Northwestern and Iowa at home, after these 2 wins you’re sitting on money, 8-3.
Wisconsin will be seeking some revenge this year on their home turf, look for this one to get a little chippy, 8-4
Mid-season when Minnesota is making some national noise, and you’re sitting on this Over 7.5 ticket you will be feeling pretty good.
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