Minnesota will score more than the spread implies — EMU allowed three methodical and three explosive drives to Howard. The Gophers have an intriguing young QB in Athan Kalakmanis and should get the ground game going this week against an Eagles defense that allowed 4.3 yards per carry and 156.1 rushing yards per game in 2022. They weren't better against Howard, either, giving up 239 yards on 32 carries (7.46 yards per carry).

I was impressed with the Gophers' defense vs. Nebraska and feel confident they can take Eastern Michigan RB Samson Evans (1,534 yards and 29 TDs) out of his element on Saturday. If they take the Iowa transfer out of the game, EMU will be too reliant on inexperienced QB Austin Smith to beat the solid Minny secondary. Get pressure on him and he'll force the ball into coverage until it backfires. The Gopher defense hasn't allowed more than 20 points in a game in their previous seven contests — bet on Minnesota to cover. This should be a 27-28-point win for the home team!