Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Purdue Boilermakers Picks and Predictions October 11th 2025

Minnesota vs Purdue – Week 7 Big Ten Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers host the Purdue Boilermakers in a matchup where both Big Ten teams are looking for traction in conference play. Minnesota is coming off a 42-3 loss at top-ranked Ohio State, while Purdue fell 43-27 at home to Illinois.

The Gophers are 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten action, while the Boilermakers enter at 2-3 with two conference losses. Both teams have shown flashes of offensive potential but remain inconsistent on both sides of the ball.

Minnesota can win if

Drake Lindsey rebounds from his performance in Columbus. After throwing for just 94 yards and no touchdowns against Ohio State, he needs to rediscover the rhythm he had against Rutgers, when he passed for 324 yards and three scores.

Minnesota’s offensive success depends on establishing balance through the ground game. Darius Taylor and Zach Evans have combined for more than 600 rushing yards this season, giving the Gophers the ability to control time of possession when efficient.

Defensively, Minnesota must tackle better. The Gophers missed 14 tackles last week and have recorded 45 missed tackles over their last three games. If they can clean up their fundamentals and limit Purdue’s deep passing plays, they can grind out a home win.

Purdue can win if

Quarterback Ryan Browne continues to stretch the field vertically. Browne passed for 302 yards and a touchdown against Illinois, adding a rushing score as well. His chemistry with Corey Smith and Michael Jackson III provides the Boilermakers with big-play ability against a Minnesota defense that struggles in space.

Purdue’s offensive line has improved in pass protection, allowing fewer sacks in recent weeks. If Browne gets time to throw and the run game finds rhythm early, Purdue’s offense can open the field.

Defensively, the Boilermakers need takeaways. Tony Grimes could return to the secondary, bolstering a unit that allowed too many explosive plays last week. If Purdue wins the turnover battle, their tempo and passing game can deliver an upset in Minneapolis.

Line Movement and Odds

Opening: Minnesota -3.5 / Purdue +3.5
Current: Minnesota -2.5 / Purdue +2.5
Total: 47.5 points (Over -110 / Under -110)

Early betting action has leaned toward Purdue after Minnesota’s offensive struggles at Ohio State. Track all live movement and betting splits on the college football odds page.

Matchup Breakdown

Minnesota ranks 10th in the Big Ten in total offense (327.6 yards per game) and has leaned heavily on its run game to stay competitive. The Gophers’ defense ranks middle of the pack against the pass but has struggled with tackling efficiency.

Purdue ranks higher in passing offense, averaging 278 yards per game, but continues to allow over 30 points per contest. Both teams are vulnerable defensively, setting up a game where offensive execution and red-zone efficiency will decide the outcome.

For deeper statistical comparisons and betting data, visit the college football teams page and explore the college football betting guide. You can also review betting fundamentals in the Bettors Handbook.

Injuries and Conditions

Minnesota Golden Gophers

• WR Daniel Jackson (ankle) – probable
• LB Maverick Baranowski (knee) – out

Purdue Boilermakers

• DB Tony Grimes (hamstring) – questionable
• RB Devin Mockobee (foot) – probable

Weather in Minneapolis should be partly cloudy with temperatures in the low 60s, favorable for both offenses.

Best Bets and Prediction

Minnesota’s defense should benefit from a home crowd and a more manageable matchup, but Purdue’s offense has shown enough explosiveness to cover. Expect a competitive game with both teams moving the ball efficiently.

Prediction: Minnesota 27, Purdue 24
Best Bet: Purdue +2.5 (-110)
Secondary Lean: Over 47.5 (-110)

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