The Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) head to Madison on Saturday to take on the Wisconsin Badgers (5-6, 3-5) in a Black Friday Big Ten rivalry game.
Minnesota has lost 2 straight, most recently falling to Penn State by a score of 26-25 in a game it was in until the bitter end.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, is coming off a 44-25 shellacking at the hands of Nebraska and needs one more win to reach bowl eligibility, making this Saturday clash a must-win.
Minnesota enters as a -1 favorite after opening as an underdog, while the over/under comes in at 41.
Let's dive into my Minnesota vs. Wisconsin predictions and college football picks for this Big Ten battle on Friday, Nov. 29.
Minnesota vs Wisconsin Prediction
- Minnesota vs Wisconsin Pick: Wisconsin +1
My Wisconsin vs. Minnesota best bet is on the Badgers to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at BetMGM, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Minnesota vs Wisconsin Odds
| Minnesota Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1 -110 | 41 -110 / -110 | -115 |
| Wisconsin Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1 -110 | 41 -110 / -110 | -105 |
- Minnesota vs Wisconsin Spread: Minnesota -1 (-110) · Wisconsin +1 (-110)
- Minnesota vs Wisconsin Over/Under: 41 Points
- Minnesota vs Wisconsin Moneyline: Minnesota -115 · Wisconsin -105
Minnesota vs Wisconsin Preview
I don't show the most value on this from a point-spread perspective, but I love the situational spot for a Wisconsin team that has played one of the toughest schedules in the country.
Already locked into a bowl, Minnesota may come out a bit flat after an all-out effort in an extremely physical affair against Penn State where it fell just short.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin should come out with plenty of motivation to get to bowl eligibility in this battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe (formerly the Slab of Bacon Trophy).
Not all five-win teams are created equal in this spot, as some may not even care to continue their season, but I've heard positive things from those close to the program at least.
It's also a good spot to buy low on Wisconsin after it got waxed at Nebraska last weekend.
Part of that had to do with the absence of star safety Hunter Wohler, whose presence is paramount on that defense. He should return this week, which is just massive for the Badgers stop unit.
With Wohler back, Wisconsin can contain this pass-happy Minnesota offense that I don't think can fully exploit Wisconsin's run-defense issues.
Meanwhile, I think Wisconsin can have some success on the ground to get its offense going in what should be a low-scoring affair.
Wisconsin could also get wide receiver Will Pauling back and we'll see on linebacker Jake Chaney, who left last week with an injury.
Minnesota vs Wisconsin Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Minnesota and Wisconsin match up statistically:
Minnesota Offense vs. Wisconsin Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 72 | 97 | |
| Line Yards | 118 | 115 |  |
| Pass Success | 38 | 56 | |
| Havoc | 79 | 126 | |
| Finishing Drives | 26 | 107 | |
| Quality Drives | 38 | 54 | |
Wisconsin Offense vs. Minnesota Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 29 | 22 | |
| Line Yards | 48 | 32 | |
| Pass Success | 101 | 30 | |
| Havoc | 33 | 30 | |
| Finishing Drives | 57 | 29 | |
| Quality Drives | 106 | 36 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 92 | 43 |
| PFF Coverage | 27 | 19 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 69 | 64 |
| Middle 8 | 39 | 79 |
| Seconds per Play | 30.2 (126) | 26.9 (60) |
| Rush Rate | 48% (106) | 54% (53) |
Minnesota vs Wisconsin Pick & Prediction
I'm buying low on Wisconsin and taking it to make a bowl game with a win here.
Minnesota could come out a bit flat for a Black Friday noon kick after already clinching bowl eligibility and falling short in a tight game against Penn State last week.
Meanwhile, Wisconsin needs this game to keep its season alive.
I project this game at Wisconsin -3, so I'll happily grab the points with the Badgers.
Pick: Wisconsin +1 (Play to -2.5)
Minnesota vs Wisconsin Start Time, TV Channel, Location, How to Watch
| Location: | Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI |
| Date: | Friday, Nov. 29 |
| Kickoff Time: | 12 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | CBS |
Minnesota heads to Madison on Friday to take on Wisconsin at 12 p.m. ET on CBS.
Minnesota vs Wisconsin Betting Trends
Minnesota vs Wisconsin Weather
