Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes 11/18/23 – As the NCAAF season heats up, the intriguing Week 12 matchup between the Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-5) and the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes (10-0) is set to capture the attention of college football fans and bettors alike. Scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the iconic Ohio Stadium, the game promises to be a significant event, especially for those involved in live betting in Canada. This showdown, airing at 4:00 PM ET on BTN, offers a stark contrast in team fortunes and poses a thrilling challenge for sports experts.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes
Date & Time: Saturday, November 18 at 4:00 PM ET
Location: Ohio Stadium
TV: BTN
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes 11/18/23 Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Minnesota | +2043 | +28.5 (-110 | 49 over (-110) |
| Ohio State | -30259 | -28.5 (-110) | 49 under (-110) |
Minnesota Golden Gophers Analysis
The Golden Gophers’ offense, led by quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, has been a blend of resilience and inconsistency. Kaliakmanis, with 129 completions from 247 attempts, has amassed 1582 passing yards. His 52.2% completion rate and 6.4 yards per pass attempt underscore a need for more precision and depth in their passing game. The offensive line has allowed 17 sacks, showing vulnerability in protection that could be exploited by Ohio State’s defense. Darius Taylor, with 591 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, offers a ray of hope in the ground game, while Daniel Jackson has been a standout at wide receiver, amassing 681 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
Defensively, the Gophers have shown some weaknesses that could be detrimental against a team as offensively potent as Ohio State. Their struggle to contain opposing offenses, especially on the road, is evident. Improving their pass rush and secondary coverage will be crucial to slow down Ohio State’s high-octane offense. The defense will need to step up significantly to keep the Gophers in contention.
Ohio State Buckeyes Analysis
Ohio State’s offense has been nothing short of spectacular, thanks in large part to quarterback Kyle McCord. His impressive stats, including a 66.3% completion rate and 2687 passing yards, highlight his efficiency and playmaking ability. McCord’s connection with wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who has tallied 1063 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, could pose a significant challenge for Minnesota’s defense. The Buckeyes’ ground game, spearheaded by TreVeyon Henderson (648 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns), balances their attack and adds another layer of threat.
The Buckeye defense has been formidable, contributing significantly to their undefeated status. While there are minor areas for improvement, such as tightening up against high-tempo offenses, their overall performance has been stellar. They have consistently disrupted opponents’ game plans, a trend they’ll likely continue against Minnesota.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Against the Spread
Minnesota’s betting trends do not favor them, especially against a powerhouse like Ohio State. They are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games and have a concerning record against the Buckeyes, both SU and ATS. Furthermore, their road performance has been less than ideal, which adds to the skepticism of their ability to cover the spread.
Ohio State, on the other hand, shows more promising trends. They are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games and have dominated Minnesota in their recent encounters. Their consistent SU victories and strong performances at home make them a formidable team to bet against.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State Buckeyes Free Pick
Based on odds, trends, team stats, and key players, here are the picks:
Moneyline: Ohio State -30259
The overwhelming odds favor Ohio State, and their season performance justifies this choice.
Spread: Ohio State -28.5 (-110)
Given their dominance, especially at home, and Minnesota’s struggles, Ohio State is likely to cover the spread.
Total: 49 under (-110)
The Buckeyes’ strong defense might limit Minnesota’s scoring, and Ohio State might control the game tempo enough to keep the total under.
Predicted Score: Ohio State Buckeyes 40, Minnesota Golden Gophers 8
In conclusion, the most reliable NCAAF winning pick in this matchup is betting on Ohio State to cover the spread. Their offensive prowess and defensive solidity make them a safe bet, especially considering Minnesota’s less than impressive record against high-caliber teams like the Buckeyes.
