Buckeyes vs Golden Gophers Prediction & CFB Odds for Week 1
- Welcome to our Buckeyes vs Golden Gophers prediction
- Ohio State will open the season with a road victory
- Buckeyes cover the first half spread
- Minnesota scores twice
Betting Odds & Lines for This Game
- Spread: Ohio State -14 (-110) vs Minnesota +14 (-110)
- Moneyline: Ohio State -700 vs. Minnesota +500
- Total: Over 65.5 (-110) vs. Under 65.5 (-110)
All odds listed are courtesy of PointsBet.
Buckeyes vs Golden Gophers Prediction: Spread
Redshirt freshman C.J. Stroud is slated to replace the first-round pick Justin Fields at the helm, and with an identical skill set in play, the Buckeyes might not miss a beat. Minnesota followed up one of their best seasons in school history with a dud in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. They went from 11-2 to 3-4 last year, but the Golden Gophers do have a few core holdovers in place.
Senior Tanner Morgan enters with 27 career starts, and he starred during the historic 2019 season, throwing for 2,975 yards and 28 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Minnesota won’t just roll over here, but they might just be outmatched here.
The number of 14 feels generous, and history is on Ohio State’s side when it comes to this Big Ten matchup. That trend should continue, take the Buckeyes game spread and eye the first-half spread as well.
- Free Prediction: Ohio State (-14)
Buckeyes vs Golden Gophers Prediction: MoneyLine
We saw Illinois bless bettors early with a home conference victory, but we must temper our expectations heading into Thursday with this one. Both teams have questions to answer about themselves, but it’s very unlikely Minnesota will be able to begin their year with a huge upset, as this isn’t an ideal matchup for a season opener.
Game Week!
Get ready for Thursday with our in-depth game notes!
Notes: https://t.co/UcqWvi3Wzd#Gophers // #SkiUMah // #RTB pic.twitter.com/K970eNavKR
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) August 30, 2021
The Golden Gophers could keep things close early, as the Thursday night home-field advantage could come into play, but the Buckeyes should take care of business. Trust Ryan Day’s squad, and bet on Ohio State’s first quarter and first half moneylines.
- Free Prediction: Ohio State First Quarter ML
Buckeyes vs Golden Gophers Prediction: Total
We know Ohio State can score points, but with a new quarterback slated to make his first start, and throw his first pass, there will be kinks on the offensive side of the ball. Minnesota will need to shake the rust off as well, and that won’t be easy against an annually stout Buckeye defense. We see a feel-it-out battle early which could turn into a grind-it-out win for Ohio State. Take the under cautiously here.
- Free Prediction: Under 64.5
