The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) are set to host the Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-5) in a Big Ten showdown. With Ohio State looking to preserve their perfect record and Minnesota fighting for bowl eligibility, this matchup is critical for both teams.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Odds Info
Moneyline: Minnesota Golden Gophers +1400 (FanDuel) / Ohio State Buckeyes -4000 (FanDuel)
Spread: -27.5 / Minnesota Golden Gophers -115 (FanDuel) / Ohio State Buckeyes -105 (FanDuel)
Total: 50.0 / -110 (Bet365) / -110 (Bet365)
Game Info
Date: Saturday, Nov. 18
Time: 04:00 PM
Location: Ohio Stadium – Columbus, OH
TV: BTN
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends
- On the road, Minnesota Golden Gophers are 1 and 3 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Minnesota Golden Gophers are 3 and 7.
- Against the spread on the road, Minnesota Golden Gophers are 1 and 3.
Ohio State Buckeyes Betting Trends
- At home, Ohio State Buckeyes are 5 and 0 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Ohio State Buckeyes are 6 and 3.
- Against the spread at home, Ohio State Buckeyes are 4 and 1.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Predictions
The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the game with an unblemished record, boasting one of the most potent offenses in the nation. Led by quarterback Kyle McCord, who stepped in for the injured C.J. Stroud and has been performing admirably, the Buckeyes have been unstoppable on their home turf. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has emerged as a Heisman Trophy candidate, and his connection with McCord will be crucial against a Minnesota defense that has been vulnerable to the pass.
Minnesota, on the other hand, is coming off a tough loss to Purdue and needs a win to keep their bowl hopes alive. The Golden Gophers have shown they can compete with top teams, as evidenced by their earlier victories over Iowa and Michigan State. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has been improving, and his favorite target, Daniel Jackson, could pose a threat to Ohio State’s secondary. However, Minnesota’s defense will need to step up significantly to slow down the Buckeyes’ high-flying offense.
Defensively, Ohio State has been just as impressive, ranking fourth in the nation and allowing only about 262 total yards per game. The Buckeyes’ defense, under the guidance of coordinator Jim Knowles, has been particularly effective at limiting explosive plays, which will be key against a Minnesota team that has struggled to find consistency on offense. The matchup to watch will be Ohio State’s defensive line against Minnesota’s offensive front, which could determine the pace and control of the game.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Pick
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been a dominant force this season, especially when playing at home where they are undefeated. Their offense, led by Kyle McCord and standout receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., has been consistently putting up high numbers, which is reflected in their average points for being significantly higher than Minnesota’s. The Buckeyes’ defense is also one of the best in the country, limiting opponents to minimal yardage and scoring. Considering these factors, along with Ohio State’s strong record against the spread at home (4-1), it makes sense to back the Buckeyes to cover the -27.5 spread. Minnesota has struggled against the spread this season, with a record of 3-7, and they have been particularly weak on the road, both straight up and against the spread (1-3).
Historically, Ohio State has had the upper hand in this matchup, and nothing about the current form of both teams suggests a deviation from this trend. The Buckeyes’ offense is too potent for the Golden Gophers’ defense, which allowed over 600 yards to Purdue in their last game. While Minnesota’s offense has shown some life in recent weeks, they are unlikely to keep pace with Ohio State’s scoring. The Buckeyes are also preparing for a potential playoff run, and a convincing win here would be a statement to the selection committee. Given these points, Ohio State against the spread is the logical choice for this Big Ten clash.
The Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes -27.5 (FanDuel)