.jpg "College Football ATS Picks – Minnesota at Oregon State")
Oregon State got thrashed by Colorado State in its opener and then barely held on to beat Portland State last week. Minnesota is 1-0 but only defeated Buffalo by a score of 17-7 in its opener despite being a heavy favorite.
These teams are in rebuilding mode and could have trouble picking up wins in conference play, but the talent levels are close enough that this one could go either way.
Watch this regular season Week 2 matchup live on Saturday, September 9, 2017, at 10 p.m. ET at Reser Stadium.
NCAA Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Minnesota +2.5
Oregon State -2.5
Over/Under 51.5
Odds Analysis
The Beavers are a slight home favorite despite playing badly in the first two games, and the bettors are jumping on Minnesota to cover at a 77 percent clip. The scoring total is pretty low as both teams have struggled to move the ball at time this year, and most of the early money has jumped on the “under.”
The Gophers are listed as a +115 underdog on the moneyline, which is an enticing bet that has gotten the majority of the action. Oregon State is listed at -135 to win this game straight up.
Revenge Angle
These teams played in the season opener last year in Minnesota and the Gophers used a late rally to sneak out a 30-23 win. Oregon State led heading into the fourth quarter, but Minnesota took the lead on a two-yard touchdown run by Rodney Smith and then quarterback Mitch Leidner helped ice the win by adding a rushing score of his own.
Smith is back, but he averaged only 3.3 yards per carry in the opener as Buffalo’s defense was able to focus its attention on him. The Gophers are hoping to find a promising new quarterback, with Conor Rhoda and Demry Croft still battling for the full-time starter role.
Oregon State has a new quarterback of its own in Jake Luton. He has only thrown for 539 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions this season, and if the Beavers plan to exact revenge and win this game, their aerial attack must be better.
Weather Report
There isn’t any risk of a hurricane like in the Florida area, but there have been several wildfires in Oregon this week. It is affecting the University of Oregon more than OSU -- the Ducks aren’t practicing in Eugene because of it -- but if the problem persists it could affect the air quality for this matchup.
The game isn’t expected to be affected by smoke, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
Free ATS Pick
Oregon State has had two games to prove itself and has looked bad. The Beavers could be among the worst teams in the Pac-12 this season. The home field advantage helps in this one, but the team is suffering from a lack of talented personnel.
Minnesota struggled as well in its opener and has big questions at quarterback. However, the Gophers’ defense at least looked good, and that should travel to Corvallis. This is going to be an ugly one, and the “under” is the clear choice on the scoring total. The Gophers may not light up the scoreboard, but they should do enough to leave with an upset win.
Take Minnesota to remain undefeated while Oregon State drops to 1-2 in a close one between a pair of below average teams.
College Football Odds: Minnesota 24, Oregon State 21
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