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Big Ten Predictions: Picks against the spread for Week 7

By Barry Leonard Jr.

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Sep 26, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Alonzo Moore (82) against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles in the second half at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska won 36-28. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

  • Date: Saturday, October 17, 2015
  • Time: 3:30 PM Eastern
  • Location: Minneapolis, MN
  • TV Channel: ESPN2
  • Spread: Minnesota -2
  • Over/Under Total: 47.5

This game is another example of a complete toss-up. Though Minnesota has the better record, the Gophers haven’t exactly been impressive this season. After playing tough in the season opener against TCU, Minnesota defeated Colorado State, Kent State and Ohio by a total of nine points.

Minnesota has not been good on offense this year, ranking 100th in total offense. Quarterback Mitch Leidner has struggled, throwing just six touchdowns to four interceptions. KJ Maye and Drew Wolitarsky have been the top receivers while Rodney Smith has paced the rushing attack.

Last week the Gophers did seem to finally click on offense and put up 408 yards of total offense while beating Purdue 41-13. Defense has been the name of the game for Minnesota this season and the Gophers currently rank 20th in total defense.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are in the middle of a disappointing season. They’ve lost four games thus far, including two straight conference games against Illinois and Wisconsin.

Nebraska has been able to rack up the yards on offense behind quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. He’s already thrown for 1,500 yards and rushed for another 206. Terrell Newby has rushed for 473 yards while the receiving combination of Jordan Westerkamp and Brandon Reilly have been instrumental in the passing attack.

Unfortunately, for as good as things have been on offense, the Nebraska defense has been downright bad, giving up more than 443 yards per game.

Something has to give in this game. Minnesota is not good on offense, but Nebraska is horrible on defense. I do think that the Cornhuskers will be too much on offense in this one, winning outright and earning a quality conference road victory.

Next: Penn State at Ohio State

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