Minnesota vs. Michigan State
Minnesota is coming off a shocking home win over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Jerry Kill’s team was a huge 14.5 point underdog in that win. The Golden Gophers will be looking to carry some momentum into a very tough road test against Michigan State.
Spartan Stadium
Saturday November 5, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Michigan State -27.5 (-110) Minnesota +27.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 46.5
The Spartans are coming off a disappointing loss at Nebraska, and one would imagine they’ll be anxious to get back on track in this one.
Minnesota now has its best play maker healthy once again. MarQueis Gray has struggled with injuries some this year, but he is back at nearly full strength now. Gray is the team’s quarterback, but he is also probably their best runner. Gray has run for 500 yards on just 105 carries this season. He still needs to work on his accuracy in the passing game, but he does have the ability to improvise. The offensive line is very dinged up right now, which could be a big problem against Michigan State’s terrific defensive front. The team needs to find a way to get the ball to Da’Jon McKnight more often, since he is a game-changer at the wide receiver spot.
The Golden Gophers defense has struggled this season. This unit is allowing 34 points per game so far this year. They are particularly bad against the run. Opponents are gaining 202 yards per game on the ground. Troy Stoudemire is the team’s best cover corner, but he is listed as questionable for this game because of a wrist injury. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
How has Michigan State gone 6-2 through such a difficult schedule so far in 2011? It has been the amazing play of their defense. The Spartans rank second in the nation in total defense. The pass defense is first in the nation, and they are only allowing a meager 127 passing yards per contest. Jerrell Worthy is the anchor up front for this defense. Isaiah Lewis leads the team with four interceptions. Michigan State is allowing just 15 points per game.
Kirk Cousins is the senior leader under center for the Spartans offense. This is his third year as the team’s starting quarterback, and he knows the system extremely well. B.J. Cunningham has 48 catches already this year, but none of them came last week against Nebraska. The Spartans will need to get him involved in the offense again this week. Michigan State has a pair of very talented running backs. Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker both have over 400 yards rushing already this year. Expect Michigan State to try to establish the run early on against this weak Golden Gophers rushing defense.
Minnesota had a nice win last week, but I think it will be back to reality this week for the Golden Gophers. They were beaten 58-0 at Michigan, and I think Michigan State will be ready to wallop them this weekend.
Free College Football Pick: Michigan State -27.5
Score Prediction: Michigan State 45 Minnesota 7
