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The Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-5) and Virginia Tech Hokies (6-6) meet Friday in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Kickoff from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s college football odds around the Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Minnesota ended their regular season strong with a 24-7 win over the Wisconsin Badgers on Nov. 29. They covered as 2-point road favorites, making it 7 covers in their last 8 games. The Under 41 also hit.
That win gave the Gophers a 5-4 record and a tie for seventh in the Big Ten. Offensively they had their struggles, averaging 26.3 points per game (PPG) to ninth in the conference and sitting in the bottom half of most offensive stats.
Their defense, though, was a different story. They gave up just 290.9 yards per game and 17.5 PPG, both fourth-best in the Big Ten, and their 16 interceptions were second in the conference.
Minnesota is riding a 7-game bowl win streak heading into this matchup. Their last bowl victory was in the 2023 Quick Lane Bowl, where they beat the Bowling Green Falcons 30-24. They covered as 2-point favorites, and the Over 44.5 hit.
The Hokies ended their regular season on a high note, snapping a 3-game skid with a 37-17 victory over their in-state rival Virginia Cavaliers on Nov. 30. They covered as 5-point road favorites, with the Over 45 hitting.
Virginia Tech will be without QB Kyron Drones due to injury, and now it looks like star RB Bhayshul Tuten won’t play either, as he’s been away from the team since Christmas. Tuten’s absence is a big blow after a season where he racked up 1,159 rushing yards (fourth in the ACC) and 15 TDs (second in the ACC).
The Hokies’ defense remains a strength, allowing just 22.8 PPG (fourth in the ACC), led by DL Antwaun Powell-Ryland, who recorded 16 sacks (second in the ACC).
Last year, Virginia Tech ended a 4-game bowl losing streak by beating the Tulane Green Wave 41-20 in the Military Bowl, covering as 13-point favorites with the Over 43.5 cashing.
These 2 college programs have never met on the football field.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
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Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of college football odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:37 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Minnesota -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Virginia Tech +280 (bet $100 to win $280)
- Against the spread (ATS): Minnesota -9 (-110) | Virginia Tech +9 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech picks and predictions
Prediction
Minnesota 27, Virginia Tech 10
Moneyline
PASS.
The Golden Gophers (-350) will win their eighth consecutive bowl game, but the price is way too steep on the moneyline. Take your wager to the spread and/or total.
Against the spread
BET MINNESOTA -9 (-110).
Virginia Tech’s offense is in serious trouble without Drones and Tuten. Drones was average at best as a passer, but Tuten was their workhorse all season, and losing him is a massive blow.
The Hokies have failed to cover in 3 of their last 4 games, and a strong Minnesota defense should have no issue shutting down this depleted offense.
On the other side, Minnesota’s offense isn’t flashy, but they can move the ball effectively against a Hokies defense that’s falling apart. Virginia Tech fired defensive coordinator Chris Marve earlier this month, and several key defenders, including CB Mansoor Delane, DE Braelin Moore, S Mose Phillips, and LB Sam Brumfield, have exited the program.
The Golden Gophers have covered the spread in 7 of their last 8 games and are well-coached under P.J. Fleck, who is perfect (5-0) in bowl games since 2017. With their defensive strength and steady offense, Minnesota should control this matchup.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 42.5 (-110).
This game screams Under. The total is set low for a reason, especially for college football.
Virginia Tech is missing its top 2 offensive weapons, and their defense is depleted from opt-outs. Even with full rosters, this matchup lacks offensive firepower. Both teams rely on solid defenses and struggle to produce big plays offensively.
With a slow-paced, grind-it-out style likely, this game has Under written all over it.
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