Saturday, October 11, 2014

TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

On Saturday, the Northwestern Wildcats (3-2) will face off against the Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-1) as both teams try to take over the top spot in the Big Ten West. Northwestern beat Minnesota 20-17 at home in 2013.

Northwestern had their biggest win of the season on Saturday when they upset the then-ranked #17 Wisconsin Badgers 20-14 on the road. The Wildcats were able to rush for 203 yards in that game and their defense forced four turnovers.

The Wildcats haven't been a very good team offensively, but their defense has held opponents to just 16.2 points per game. Running back Justin Jackson has averaged 4.4 yards per carry this season for 296 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Trevor Siemian has thrown for 1,054 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.

In their last game, Minnesota picked up their second win in a row when they beat Michigan 30-14 on the road. They were able to rush for 206 yards in that win and they held the Wolverines to just 171 total yards.

Through five games, Minnesota is averaging 230.2 rushing yards per game, which puts them in the top 25 in the country in that department. Their best rusher has been David Cobb, who has 722 rushing yards and four touchdowns this season. Tight end Maxx Williams has 10 receptions this year for 161 yards and three touchdowns.

Northwestern Wildcats Betting Trends

Northwestern Wildcats are 2-3-0 Against the Spread

Northwestern Wildcats are 0-4-0 against the Over/Under

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends

Minnesota Golden Gophers are 3-2-0 Against the Spread

Minnesota Golden Gophers are 2-3-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Northwestern Wildcats

10/05/14 OL Ian Park Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Minnesota U
10/05/14 DB Ibraheim Campbell Hamstring "?" Saturday vs. Minnesota U
10/05/14 CB Keith Watkins II Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Minnesota U
10/05/14 CB Matthew Harris Neck "?" Saturday vs. Minnesota U
10/05/14 Backup RB Solomon Vault Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Minnesota U
08/27/14 DL Sean McEvilly Foot out for season
08/13/14 WR Christian Jones Knee out for season

Minnesota Golden Gophers

10/05/14 DB Marcus Jones Hand "?" Saturday vs. Northwestern
09/18/14 OL Alex Mayes Shoulder out for season
09/16/14 WR Isaiah Gentry Knee out for season
09/10/14 LB Cody Poock Knee out for season
09/10/14 OL Jared Weyler Knee out for season
09/09/14 LB Nick Rallis Knee out for season
09/02/14 DT Scott Ekpe Knee out for season
08/22/14 TE Duke Anyanwu Knee out for season

Josh's Pick: Take Minnesota

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