Northwestern vs. Minnesota Analysis, Odds, Spread, Date & Start Time for College Football Week 9 Game
Date: Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021
Time: 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Ryan Field; Evanston, Ill.
The Wildcats came oh so close to covering the spread last week but couldn't quite do it. They were -23.5 point underdogs and came within three points of covering the spread but ultimately would lose by 26. I thought that Northwestern would keep it within 23 while losing and covering the spread however I was wrong in the end.
This week features a much closer spread and an opponent that, while still a very good team, is not quite on the level that Michigan is. That is not to say this game will be easy for Northwestern, though, as Minnesota is a quality opponent. Look no further than here for all the analysis you need on your betting options for the game against Minnesota.
Betting Overview:
Spread:
To summarize the spread, it is how much the favorite is favored to win by. If a spread is -5, if the favored team wins by five or more they cover the spread. However if they win by four or less, or lose, the underdog covers the spread. As they say, good teams win but great teams cover.
Over/under:
The over/under, or as it is sometimes referred to as the total, is most often a bet regarding the total number of points. So if the over/under is 50 points, if the two teams combine for 51 points the over hit but if they combine for 49 the under hit. On the occasion the total is an exact 50, this is what is referred to as a push.
Moneyline:
The moneyline requires you to simply pick a winner straight up. If the moneyline is +155, a bet of $100 on that team would get you your $100 back and see you win $155 as well. For odds of -155, you would have to bet $155 just to win $100.
Northwestern vs. Minnesota analysis:
Odds courtesy of SI Sportsbook.
Spread: Northwestern +7.5
I think Minnesota will cover this spread with relative ease. I am no expert, as seen by track record predicting these, but I don't have a lot of faith in the Wildcats to keep this one close. The Minnesota offense, led by quarterback Tanner Morgan and a lethal stable of running backs, should have a field day against one of the worst defenses in the conference. Northwestern may keep it close to start but I fully anticipate the Golden Gophers to run away with this one in the end.
Moneyline: Northwestern +250, Minnesota-300
Another week of me recommending you to just stay away from the moneyline on this game. As always, though, if you are feeling reckless with your money and love a risky pick, this is the one for you. After all, this is Big Ten football, a conference that provided a historic nine overtime upset with a combined total of 38 points. So you never truly know what to expect as anyone can pull out a win on any given Saturday. That being said, Minnesota should not have much of an issue in this one, making the Northwestern moneyline one to avoid this weekend.
Over/under: 43
I would take the over in this one, personally. Not because I expect it to be a shootout of a game but rather I fully believe the Minnesota offense can hit the over themselves. The Northwestern defense is allowing 218.3 rushing yards per game to their opponents this season which is by far the worst in the Big Ten. The Golden Gophers, meanwhile, boast a top five rushing attack, averagi 210 yards per game on the ground. Minnesota should run all over a porous Northwestern defense this weekend and could very easily hit the over themselves.
Last week's picks:
Well, you win some and you lose some. Unfortunately, this season I have not won very many. I expected the Wildcats to cover the spread while losing but they came up just short, as they were three points away from covering the spread. As I always say, I am no expert, so take any advice with a grain of salt.
Season to date: 2-5
This week's pick: Minnesota wins and covers easily.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
Can Northwestern's Defense Contain Minnesota's Run Game?
Big Ten Breakdown: Your Complete Guide to Every Big Ten Game in Week 9
Big News From the Big Ten: Ohio State, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State Set for Bowl Game Appearances
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter and Instagram
Facebook - @SIWildcatsDaily
Twitter - @SIWildcatsDaily and @ConnorJZ98
Instagram - @SIWildcatsDaily
Connor Zimmerlee is a writer and reporter for Wildcats Daily. Zimmerlee received his Bachelor's of Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin as part of the class of 2021 and now attends the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.