Purdue vs Minnesota Prediction, Preview, Stream, Odds & Picks
Golden Gophers Look to Stay Perfect
Top Offenses Clash
The PurdueBoilermakers travel to Minnesota to take on the Golden Gophers on Saturday in a Big Ten Conference matchup.
While Minnesota (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) remains undefeated and sits at the top of the division in a three-way tie, Purdue (2-2, 0-1) has had a shakier start, losing its conference opener.
The Boilermakers opened the season with a 35-31 loss to Penn State. The Gophers, meanwhile, improved to 4-0 after a 34-7 victory over Michigan State to give them a 1-0 Big Ten record.
With Minnesota undefeated, the Gophers are tied with Penn State for the third-best chances to win the conference at (+800) odds. Purdue has the eighth-best odds to win at (+6000).
Let’s check the latest NCAAF odds, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF lines for Purdue vs Minnesota. We’ve plenty of Vegas NCAAF odds for you to consider.
Purdue: Positive Passing
Although Purdue Boilermakers has started slower than some Big Ten teams, its offense hasn’t been the reason.
The Boilermakers are sixth in the Big Ten in points per game, averaging 36, and second in the conference in passing yards with 311 yards a game.
Quarterback Aidan O’Connell has accounted for a majority of those yards as he has thrown for 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns on 86 of 134 attempts.
However, O’Connell was injured in Purdue’s 32-29 loss to Syracuse in Week 3. Despite him finishing the game, he didn’t play in last week’s 28-26 victory over Florida Atlantic.
Instead, it was back up Austin Burton who led the Boilermakers to a victory. Burton went 21 of 29 for 166 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
Purdue also has a strong receiver to rely upon with Charlie Jones leading the team. Jones has caught 41 passes for 533 yards and seven touchdowns. Jones’ receiving yards are third in the nation while his seven touchdowns are tied for first.
With O’Connell questionable, Burton may get the call once more and he will need to be ready.
Minnesota: Reliable Rushing
While Purdue has gotten much of its production through the air, the Gophers have received a good portion of theirs on the ground.
Minnesota Golden Gophers, which is third in the nation in total yards with an average of 543 a game, is also second in the nation in rushing yards with 294.5 a game. Minnesota’s 17 rushing touchdowns are tied with Michigan for first in the nation.
A good portion of the Gophers’ ground game comes from Mohamid Ibrahim, who is second in the nation with 567 yards. His eight rushing touchdowns are also second in the nation.
Though he missed much of last season due to injury, Ibrahim’s 103-yard performance against Michigan State marked his 13th straight game of rushing for 100 yards or more. The record goes back to 2019.
While Ibrahim is a strong No. 1, running back Trey Potts is solid as well, rushing for 291 yards and three touchdowns.
Minnesota’s stellar ground game, combined with its solid air attack, should continue to bring the Gophers success.
Purdue vs Minnesota Injuries
O’Connell, linebacker Jalen Graham, running back King Doerue and cornerback Reese Taylor is questionable for Purdue. Wide receiver Broc Thompson and offensive lineman Cam Craig are doubtful.
For Minnesota, running back Zach Evans and tight end Sam Pickerign and Nathan Jones is questionable. Wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell is out for the season.
Purdue vs Minnesota Head-to-Head
Being in the same division, Purdue and Minnesota play each other every season. The two have played 77 times, with the Gophers leading the series 41-33-3. The last meeting, won 20-13 by Minnesota, took place in Indiana in October 2021. Purdue’s last win was a 31-17 victory in Indiana in October 2017.
Purdue vs Minnesota Game Information
- Game: Purdue vs Minnesota
- Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 1, Noon ET
- Purdue vs Minnesota Live Stream: ESPN
Purdue vs Minnesota Lines
Purdue vs Minnesota Prediction
While Purdue’s offense has been solid in its first four games, its defense has had issues. The Boilermakers rank in the bottom four of the conference in points allowed with 23.3 a game and the Gophers’ offense will bring another tough challenge for Purdue.
Though Burton did a solid job taking over for O’Connell in Purdue’s last game, the Gophers’ defense, which ranks second in the conference in points allowed with six, will provide a test.
The game being in Minnesota adds another edge for the Gophers, who should remain undefeated after covering against the visiting Boilermakers.
“The odds and predictions in the article are based on time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.”
