Golden Gophers vs. Badgers: Spread Pick & Rivalry Game Analysis

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Wisconsin Badgers: NCAAF Week 13 Betting Preview
When: noon ET Friday, Nov. 29
Where: Camp Randall Stadium
TV: CBS

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Minn +2.5/Wis -2.5
Money Line: Minn +115/Wis +135
Over/Under: 43

Game Preview

It’s the 134th edition of the most-played rivalry in FBS college football when Minnesota and Wisconsin battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe Friday afternoon at Camp Randall.

The Gophers are coming off a heart-breaking loss at home to Penn State last week. But at least they’re already bowl-eligible.

The Badgers, on the other hand, coming off another poor performance last week at Nebraska, need to win Saturday to extend the program’s bowl streak to 23 straight seasons.

The Line

This week’s CFB betting market opened Wisconsin at -2 for Friday, with an O/U of right around 42. Early betting action edged the Badgers to -2.5.

According to Sagarin’s CFB ratings (Sagarin.com) the line on this game should be Wisconsin -1.5.

Minnesota Betting Preview

The Gophers bring a two-game losing skid to Madison after falling at home to Penn State last Saturday 26-25. Minnesota, as an 11-point home dog, led 10-0 early and 22-16 late into the third quarter. Later, down by a point but with a chance to get the ball back, Minnesota gave up a 32-yard gain on a Lions fake punt, which helped Penn State run the last five-plus minutes off the clock.

The Gophers played Penn State very equal all over the stat sheet but lost the turnover battle 2-0, which created a -6 points differential.

Two games ago, Minnesota, favored by 6.5 points at Rutgers, disappointed us by losing outright 26-19.

The Gophers started this season 2-3, with tough losses to North Carolina and Michigan. They then won four straight to achieve bowl-eligibility for the fourth straight season.

Minnesota also already played over its season wins O/U of 5.5.

Wisconsin Betting Preview

Meanwhile, the Badgers lug a four-game losing skid into Friday after falling at Nebraska last Saturday 44-25. Wisconsin allowed the Cornhuskers to drive the opening possession of the game 55 yards to a touchdown, trailed 24-10 at the half, and mounted little challenge from there.

The Badgers got out-gained by the ‘Huskers 478-409 and about half Wisconsin’s yardage came in comeback mode, after falling down by three scores.

Two games ago, the Badgers lost at home to No. 1 Oregon 16-13. However, to our eye, Bucky didn’t really play all that well that day; the Ducks played down to them.

Three games ago Wisconsin lost at Iowa 42-10 and four games ago it lost to Penn State 28-13.

So after starting this season 5-2 against a weak part of their schedule the Badgers need to win Friday just to reach 6-6 and bowl-eligibility.

Common Opponents

These teams played four common opponents this season; Iowa, Penn State, Rutgers and USC. Wisconsin played those foes to 1-3 both SU and ATS and -47 YPG, Minnesota to 1-3 SU, 2-2 ATS and also -47 YPG.

Minnesota-Wisconsin Recent History

The Badgers beat the Gophers 14 times in a row through 2017, but Minnesota is trying to fight back, winning three of the last six meetings SU and going 4-2 ATS.

However, Wisconsin beat Goldy up in Minneapolis last year 28-14, covering at -3.

Totals Report

The Over is 6-5 in Gophers games this season, which are averaging 45 total points.

The Over is also 6-5 in Badgers games, which are averaging 47 points.

The Under is 5-2 over the last seven meetings between these teams.

Free College Football Pick

Minnesota lost a tough game to North Carolina to open this season, then won its next two by a combined score of 75-0. Later, the Gophers lost a tough game against Michigan, and then won four straight. So, we hold faith in Coach Fleck’s ability to rally his team after a tough loss. Meanwhile,
Wisconsin just isn’t passing our eye test; we watch, and they look bad. The final score against Oregon was close, but that had more to do with the Ducks than the Badgers. Then Wisconsin gave an uninspiring performance last week. Ultimately, we believe Minnesota is the better team in this match-up and will win this game outright. We’ll take the Gophers on the money line to take possession of Paul’s Axe.

BAS Sportsbook -105 Odds!

BetAnySports is the perfect 5Dimes replacement, offering reduced juice with -105 odds on most markets. If you’re looking to get more value from your bets, this is the sportsbook for you. With the same great features you loved about 5Dimes, BetAnySports provides competitive lines, smooth navigation, and a wide range of betting options. Ready to step up your game? Join now and enjoy -105 odds… Read More