Gophers look Golden vs. PSU
Tomorrow’s Minnesota-Penn State matchup offers an interesting wagering opportunity. The unbeaten Gophers are flying under the radar, with three unimpressive wins over a soft opening schedule. But the things Minny does well — solid defense complemented by an above-average running game — should stand them in good stead in their conference opener in Happy Valley.
Penn State is a mess on offense, ranked 112th in the FBS, and its run defense yields an average of 213.4 yards per game. What’s more, all three starting linebackers are out with injuries, and that unit is so banged up the team struggled this week to hold competitive practices.
The 2 1⁄2- point favored Lions are coming off a blowout loss at Michigan and could be looking at another long afternoon here. Take Minnesota and the points.
In other games: TONIGHT WASHINGTON (-3 1⁄2) over Stanford — After a brutal early schedule (games with Kansas State, USC and UCLA), the Cardinal may be in for a rough landing here. U-Dub figures to battle Stanford for the Pac-12 North title and the rabid Husky Stadium crowd will help them get the job done. TOMORROW Old Dominion (-8 1⁄2) over Charlotte — This season looks like another long one for the 49ers, who are 0-3 in FBS play while yielding 52 points per game. ODU racks up an easy win in its quest for a minor bowl bid.
Western Michigan (-31⁄ 2) over CENTRAL MICHIGAN — The unbeaten Broncos have already knocked off two Big Ten teams, and a win here would make them favorites for the MAC West title. They’ll eventually put away a very good Central Michigan team that beat Oklahoma State in Stillwater earlier this month. NEBRASKA (-201⁄ 2) over Illinois — The Illini are coming off 24- and 25-point home losses to North Carolina and Western Michigan, respectively, so they aren’t rolling into Nebraska with a lot of momentum. The unbeaten Huskers, eager to avenge last year’s 14-13 upset in Champaign, take no prisoners. North Carolina (+101⁄ 2) over FLORIDA STATE — FSU’s defense is hardly of championship caliber, which makes a double-digit head-start too tough to pass up with the high-scoring Tar Heels. ALABAMA (-351⁄ 2) over Kentucky — The Wildcats visit the nation’s No. 1 team with the 109th-ranked defense and a backup quarterback under center. Roll Tide, roll. Tennessee (-3) over GEORGIA — After beating Florida last week, Tennessee can seize control of the SEC East with a win here. Georgia’s offense is out of sync, so look for the Vols to get a rare win between the hedges. Florida (-101⁄ 2) over VANDERBILT — The Gators talented defense must be livid after blowing a big early lead at Tennessee. Vandy’s 121stranked offense and 102ndranked defense seem a bit overmatched. COLORADO (-19) over Oregon State — After years of being the Pac-12 doormats, the Buffs finally have a bowlcaliber team. Don’t expect them to show any mercy to the foes that ran up the score on them in the past.
Arizona State (+10) over USC — The Trojans’ stumble out of the gate was greatly aided by a tough opening stretch of games, and things won’t get any easier vs. the Sun Devils, who are playing better with the start of Pac12 play. Oklahoma (-31⁄ 2) over TCU
— Losses to Houston and Ohio State have knocked the Sooners out of the national title picture, but they start their Big 12 season as one of the favorites for the conference crown. They’ll have their way over a TCU team surprisingly weak on the defensive side of the ball.
Last week: 5-7-0 Season: 25-22-1