NCAA football Betting Online: The Minnesota Golden Gophers don’t have the type of high-end talent to legitimately compete for the Big Ten title, but returning to a bowl game is another realistic goal in 2016. The team returns several key players on both sides of the ball and after five regular season wins a year ago, the over-under win total from oddsmakers has moved up to six this year in NCAA football wagering.
The Golden Gophers had a turbulent year in 2015 as they started the season 4-6 and had to handle the retirement of coach Jerry Kill due to health issues after seven games. The team seemed unlikely to become bowl eligible when a loss to Wisconsin in the regular season finale dropped it to 5-7 on the year, but since there weren’t enough six-win teams to fill out all the bowl games, Minnesota got the call. The Golden Gophers took advantage, knocking off Central Michigan, 21-14, in the postseason. Even though Minnesota went 0-5 against ranked teams a year ago, it wasn’t as bad as it looked. The Golden Gophers lost by six points to No. 2 TCU in the season opener, by three points to No. 15 Michigan, by two touchdowns to top-ranked Ohio State and by five points to No. 8 Iowa.
Minnesota has several playmakers back on offense as it aims to improve a unit which averaged only 22.5 points per game a year ago, one of the worst marks in the country. Quarterback Mitch Leidner returns after throwing for 2,701 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions a season ago. The team should have a solid ground game behind the dynamic Shannon Brooks, who had 709 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on only 119 carries a year ago. Rodney Smith added 670 rushing yards a year ago and that tandem should be solid.
The defense was the strength of the team in 2015, allowing only 25.2 points per game, which was 45th-best in the country. Cody Poock had 99 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss a season ago and will be back to lead the linebackers, while position-mate Jack Lynn should also be a valuable piece. Minnesota’s biggest task will be replacing cornerbacks Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun, who helped limit opposing passing games. Defensive tackle Steven Richardson leads the group up front as the Golden Gophers will aim to duplicate last year’s impressive work.
While Minnesota won’t be able to hang with Big Ten powerhouses like Ohio State and Michigan when it comes to the conference championship, this could be an improved team from a year ago, The Golden Gophers got lucky when they were invited to a bowl game despite only five wins in 2015, but will aim to surpass that number and earn a spot in 2016. If the offense improves, Minnesota could surpass the over-under win total of six in NCAA football wagering.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day the over-under win total set for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, who will aim to reach a bowl game once again in 2016 behind Shannon Brooks, Cody Poock, Mitch Leidner and Jack Lynn! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker sportsbook!
