Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Penn State Nittany Lions Predictions, Picks, Odds, and NCAA Football Week Five Betting Preview – October 1, 2016

Minnesota vs Penn State – Battle for the Governor’s Bell – Betting Preview

Where: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA

When: Saturday, October 1st at 3:30pm ET

Line: Minnesota Golden Gophers (+3) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (-3) – total: 55.5 –  view all NCAA Football odds and lines

TV Broadcast: ESPN

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Betting on the Minnesota Golden Gophers (+3)

Shannon Brooks, the team’s leading rusher last season, is back but will he be featured? Likely not. His replacement Rodney Smith has tallied 298 yards and five touchdowns – tied for second most in the Big Ten – in his first three games. He’s been fantastic considering the team has gone with a tandem that includes backup back Kobe McCary as well. Now Brooks will check in as the third member (number one in our hearts though) of the trio. He chalked up 85 net yards last week in his return from a broken foot and will be heavily relied upon in yet another supporting role this weekend.

Through the air, senior Mitch Leidner hasn’t been blowing anybody’s minds just yet, but he hasn’t needed to. The 6’4 slinger has found fellow fourth year reciever Drew Wolitarsky more often than not. The two are an absolute threat because at 6’4 and 6’3 they’re both above the competition. Wolitarsky has been using his size to dominate in the slot and should have continued success on Saturday against Penn State.

Minnesota is 1-2-0 Against the Spread this season. This will also be their first road game of the year and it just so happens to be the Battle for the Governor’s Bell.

Betting on the Penn State Nittany Lions (-3)

Penn State needs this game to keep up in a competitive Big Ten. They’ve fallen behind with a 2-2 record right out of the gates and have had a tough time finding weak opponents to practice a few plays against. The Lions have faced Kent State, Pittsburgh, Temple and most recently Michigan. Outside of week one, it’s been a rough ride for the navy and white. The grain of salt here, is that they should be well versed against a Gopher team that has had a cupcake schedule thus far.

The Penn State offense has been led by Saquon Barkley. The sophomore running back has been an absolute breath of fresh air while the team searches for an identity in life after Christian Hackenberg. Barkley has taken the heat off new starting quarterback Trace McSorley posting 317 yards and six touchdowns. The QB, meanwhile, has only tossed five majors with three picks in just four games of work. The beauty of McSorley though is that he has averaged a QB rating of 140.4. His 63.2% passing has him sitting 33rd in the NCAA for passing percentage.

Penn State is currently 0-2-1 ATS and 0-2 at Home ATS, so Beaver Stadium hasn’t been a great sanctuary for the team. However, the Gophers are entering the den with the Governor’s Bell on the line and potentially even a season on the line for Penn State. This game should be an absolute war!

Writer’s Prediction

Minnesota (+3) covers. Penn State (-3) wins 38-36.

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