Minnesota vs. Colorado Predictions, Odds, Picks

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

Sept. 18, 2021

Jonathan Willis
VI Betting Expert
VegasInsider.com

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Colorado Buffaloes Predictions

Score Prediction - Colorado 23 Minnesota 20

Minnesota and Colorado each had a shot to knock off a top five team this season. The Golden Gophers led Ohio State at halftime of their season opener before the Buckeyes turned it on in the second half to escape the Twin Cities with a 45-31 win. Meanwhile, the Buffaloes led Texas A&M until there were less than three minutes left in the game before allowing a touchdown in a 10-7 loss.

Neither one of these teams has a great offense. Minnesota had one of the best ground games in the country with Mohamed Ibrahim leading the way, but he suffered a season-ending injury in the loss to Ohio State. Treyson Potts took over against Miami of Ohio last week and ran the ball 34 times for 178 yards and two touchdowns. Potts isn’t nearly as dynamic as Ibrahim though.

Ibrahim’s injury has had an impact on the play of QB Tanner Morgan too. Morgan burst onto the scene in 2019, but he has looked a lot more mediocre the last couple seasons after first Tyler Johnson and then Rashod Bateman went to the NFL. Morgan has struggled with his accuracy this season, completing just 52.4% of his passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns.

The Golden Gophers have thrived off play action under P.J. Fleck, but the loss of two NFL-caliber receivers and a future NFL running back has really hurt this offense.

Colorado has a hard time moving the ball through the air. Brendon Lewis has only thrown for 191 yards in his two games as the starting quarterback for the Buffaloes, and he is averaging just 4.8 YPA.

This is a one-dimensional offense that can’t do much if the ground game doesn’t have success. Jarek Broussard and Lewis have each been efficient runners, helping the Buffs average 5.2 YPC on the ground.

(AP)

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Colorado Buffaloes Best Bets

• Under 49
• Colorado ML

More College Football Betting Picks & Predictions

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Colorado Buffaloes Game Odds

• Minnesota +120
• Colorado -145
• Minnesota (+3) -110
• Colorado (-3) -110
• Over 49 -110
• Under 49 -110

Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Colorado Buffaloes Betting Resources

• Venue: Folsom Field
• Location: Boulder, Colorado
• TV-Time: Pac-12 Network - 1:00 p.m. ET

• Vegas Odds
• Futures Odds
• Big 10 Betting Odds
• Pac-12 Betting Odds
• College Football Playoff Betting

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Colorado Buffaloes Betting Analysis

The under is the best bet in this game. Both teams like to run the ball and grind the clock, and the aerial attacks are rather lackluster. Colorado was able to really shut down Texas A&M’s ground game last week, and Minnesota won’t allow the Buffs to run all over them like we saw with the Buckeyes.

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Colorado Buffaloes Betting Trends

• Minnesota has gone OVER the point total in six straight games when playing in September.
• Minnesota has covered the spread in six of its last seven road games when facing a non-AP-ranked school.
• Minnesota has failed to cover the spread in two straight games.

VegasInsider Staff

More from VegasInsider Staff