Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Virginia Tech Hokies Prediction, 1/3/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Virginia Tech Hokies

Date: Friday, January 3, 2025

Location: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC

TV: ESPN

Odds/Point Spread: Hokies (+1.5)

Total/Over-Under: 42.5

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-5) are headed to Bank of America Stadium on Friday, January 3, 2025 where they will meet the Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6) in the Duke's Mayo Bowl. Virginia Tech opens as 1.5-point underdogs. The total has been set at 42.5.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers come into this matchup with a record of 7-5 for this season. In their last contest, the Golden Gophers played the Wisconsin Badgers and earned the victory with a final of 24-7. On the ground, the Golden Gophers gave up 36 yds on 24 attempts, which averages out to 1.5 yds per run allowed. Minnesota gave up 15 pass completions on 32 attempts for a total of 130 yards, and a completion rate of 46.9%. When all was said and done, they ran 65 plays which converted into 374 yds. The Minnesota Golden Gophers ended up rushing 39 times and totaled 183 yards, which came out to an average of 4.7 yds per carry.

In terms of scoring, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have an average of 26.3 points per game. As a team they average 111.3 yards in the run game which is 117th in college football. The Golden Gophers have earned 3,988 total yards for the season. When it comes to notching touchdowns, Minnesota has earned 18 touchdowns via the pass and 17 touchdowns via the ground. Minnesota has compiled 242 first downs as an offense, and they have been called for 58 infractions for 463 yards. They have turned the ball over 10 times.

The Golden Gophers are ranked 12th in D-1 when it comes to the opposition scoring, giving up 17.5 points per game. The opposition is running for an average of 3.6 yards per tote and 112.6 rushing yards per contest for the year. Over the course of this year, they have conceded 1,351 rushing yards through 12 games. When it comes to passing yards, the Golden Gophers are giving up 2,140 yards which ranks them 12th in the nation. They have relinquished 178.3 yards per contest through the air as well as conceding a completion percentage of 59.1%. For the year, they have yielded 290.9 yards per game putting them 7th in college football. They have surrendered 11 touchdowns by air in addition to 13 touchdowns on the ground.

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The Hokies step onto the field holding a record of 6-6 for this season. The last time they took the gridiron, the Hokies took home the win by a final score of 37-17 when they played the Virginia Cavaliers. Virginia Tech gave up 32 rushing attempts for 96 yds (3.0 yards per rush). The Hokies pass defense allowed a completion rate of 52.8%, surrendering 178 yards on 19 out of 36 through the air. The Hokies finished with 456 yards and they ran 61 plays (7.5 yds per play). Virginia Tech ran the ball for 5.1 yards per tote, finishing the contest with 202 yards on 40 carries.

The Virginia Tech Hokies hold an average of 379.8 yards per contest, which ranks them 75th in D-1. The Virginia Tech offense has racked up 602 penalty yds on 71 infractions, which is 65th in D-1 in terms of giving up free yards. They average 187.1 run yards per game and have toted the ball for 2,245 yards for this year. They have given away 8 interceptions while conceding 8 fumbles and they have been able to earn 232 1st downs. When discussing the points being put on the board, the Hokies rank 54th in the nation by scoring 29.7 points per game. During the season so far, the Hokies have compiled 2,314 passing yards not to mention holding an average of 192.8 passing yards per contest, which ranks 103rd in D-1.

Virginia Tech has surrendered a total of 1,745 rushing yards (145.4 yards per outing) and 16 touchdowns via the rush on the campaign. They have conceded 18 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 214.3 yards/contest, which has them ranked 59th in Division 1. Their defense has compiled 10 fumbles and 14 interceptions this year. The Hokies defense has taken part in 821 plays, which ranks 84th in D-1. The Hokies are relinquishing 22.8 points per game, which has them 45th in the nation. In total, they have surrendered 274 pts.

Who will win tonight's Golden Gophers/Hokies college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Golden Gophers -1.5

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