Colorado vs. Minnesota Odds, Picks, and Predictions (09/17/2022)
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In a week three power 5 matchup, we get a Pac-12 vs. Big Ten matchup with Colorado heading to Minnesota. These two teams’ season starts could not be any different. Minnesota has been able to show their dominance in the running game against their non conference matchups winning big to a 2-0 start. Colorado has been the opposite, being beaten badly by TCU and Air Force in their first two games where their defense just can’t find a way to make stops and their offense can’t find a way to score. Colorado is desperate to grab their first win of the season on the road while Minnesota wants to keep a perfect record going before entering their Big Ten schedule. Let’s break into this game’s matchup picks and predictions.
Colorado vs. Minnesota Betting Odds
Minnesota is entering this game as big favorites and both teams’ start to the season plays a factor in the Vegas odds. Minnesota is currently moneyline favorites at -8238 odds and the spread line is at a whopping -27.5 point in favor of the Golden Gophers. While that is a big line, it is an accurate one when you look at just how poorly Colorado has started the season. They have let up a combined 79 points while only putting up 23 to start the season. They have one of the worst rushing and passing defenses in the country, and might be one of the worst teams this year in the Power 5 or elsewhere. Their offense didn’t improve from last year after losing RB Jarek Broussard to old head coach Mel Tucker and Michigan State. If they are able to slow down Minnesota offensively they may be able to keep it close though.
The over/under line is currently placed at 46.5 points. A large part of that is the expected turnout from Minnesota as they have put up big numbers in both of their first two games. They were able to beat New Mexico 38-0 and then win 62-10 against Western Illinois.
Colorado vs. Minnesota Picks & Predictions
My pick: Minnesota -27.5 (-110)
I think Minnesota wins this game and wins it BIG. P.J. Fleck truly has a good culture building at Minnesota and they want to show that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten West. He is also not a coach that will take an off week against a less superior team and will make sure his team gives 110 percent. The Minnesota defense was one of the best in the country last season in PPG and YPG let up and they are already showing that again early this season. Colorado still hasn’t been able to figure out their offense yet with QB J.T. Shrout who threw for only 51 yds against Air Force as well as an interception. It’s not a good matchup for Colorado’s defense as well as I’ll jump into in the next column. 27.5 points is a wide margin but all the numbers are pointing to this one being a blowout.
The over at 46.5 could be something worth taking as well as I don’t believe Minnesota will show any shortage of scoring. If Colorado is able to at least get some points on the board that should be able to help get the over because I believe Minnesota might be able to get close to the line on their own.
Colorado vs Minnesota Key Matchups
Find the key matchups and mismatches for Colorado vs Minnesota below.
Muhamed Ibrahim vs. Colorado defense
Muhamed Ibrahim has been one of the best running backs in the country when healthy and after going down with an injury midway through last season, he is back and looking to keep his status up to form as he has been in Heisman talks as well. Throughout his first two games he has been able to put up 262 yds and 4 TDs while he’s been splitting carries. I expect his biggest game of the season to date will be against this Colorado defense whose run defense is one of the worst in the country.
In their game against Air Force when they lost 41-10, all five of their touchdowns came from the running game. If that isn’t convincing enough, 435 of their 443 offensive yards came from the running game as well which is insane. This Colorado defense does not know how to stop the running which is a bad formula for going up a potential Heisman candidate in Ibrahim. If you want to take any player props, look for anything Ibrahim.