Minnesota Vs. Northwestern 2025 @ Wrigley - Media Predictions

IceBoxGopher

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First couple predictions are out for this week's matchup.

Pick Dawgz sides with Northwestern
I’ll stick with Northwestern, but this should be a pretty good game. The Wildcats nearly came back against Michigan this past weekend but fell just short. Provided Northwestern’s defense shows up (and the offense can get a little bit of a cushion) I like the Wildcats a little better.

Capper Tek predicts a Northwestern win, 21-14
Based on our simulation of Minnesota vs. Northwestern NCAAF game, we have Northwestern beating Minnesota.
 






Gophers on SI forecasts Northwestern winning 17-13
I would be surprised if this game is decided by more than one score. Both Minnesota and Northwestern have performed at a similar level throughout the season. I expect the Gophers to have every chance to win, but it's simply hard to trust a team that has lost all four of their road games by an average of 29.8 points. I think Northwestern makes one extra play to squeak out a win at the friendly confines.

The Daily Gopher (SB Nation) predicts a 14-10 Northwestern win
It’s fitting for this game to be played at Wrigley Field, because the final score might look more like a baseball score than a football score. This is going to be a rock fight between two teams that don’t put up a lot of points. To me, the difference in this game is that Northwestern has a clear identity on offense, and their defense has consistently been a strength. I can’t say the same for the Gophers.

KNUP Sports goes with Northwestern, 24-17
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have struggled on the road this season, maintaining a 0-4 record. This is a significant factor, as they travel to play Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Minnesota’s offensive struggles are apparent, ranking 96th in passing yards and 121st in rushing yards nationally.

This lack of offensive firepower, combined with Northwestern’s solid defensive stats, suggests a challenging outing for the Golden Gophers in this game.
 

significant factor, as they travel to play Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Minnesota’s offensive struggles are apparent, ranking 96th in passing yards and 121st in rushing yards nationally.

Wow, 121st Nationally, I didn’t realize it was quite that bad, denial is not only a river in Egypt.
With the 2 defenses left ,in the regular season, it’s hard to see a win. I hope they find something.
 

significant factor, as they travel to play Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Minnesota’s offensive struggles are apparent, ranking 96th in passing yards and 121st in rushing yards nationally.

Wow, 121st Nationally, I didn’t realize it was quite that bad, denial is not only a river in Egypt.
With the 2 defenses left ,in the regular season, it’s hard to see a win. I hope they find something.
Vs common opponents
Northwestern 2-2
Gophers 3-1

Against common opponents
Wisconsin 0-3
Minnesota 0-3



Minnesota best win 7-3 Nebraska
Worst loss 6-4 Iowa or Cal 64
Northwestern best win vs 4-6 Penn state worst loss vs 7-3 Nebraska or 8-2 Tulane
Wisconsin best win vs 7-3 Washington worst loss vs 4-6 Maryland


Not really sure it’s hard to see a win.
The mathematical expected number of wins via FPI is .9

They’re both games that are closer to 50-50 than 75-25
 




Vs common opponents
Northwestern 2-2
Gophers 3-1

Against common opponents
Wisconsin 0-3
Minnesota 0-3



Minnesota best win 7-3 Nebraska
Worst loss 6-4 Iowa or Cal 64
Northwestern best win vs 4-6 Penn state worst loss vs 7-3 Nebraska or 8-2 Tulane
Wisconsin best win vs 7-3 Washington worst loss vs 4-6 Maryland


Not really sure it’s hard to see a win.
The mathematical expected number of wins via FPI is .9

They’re both games that are closer to 50-50 than 75-25
Makes me feel a little better, believe me I’m trying to be optimistic, but realistic.
 

Makes me feel a little better, believe me I’m trying to be optimistic, but realistic.
Yeah I’d say they’re both pretty close to toss ups.

25% chance of 0-2
50% chance of 1-1
25% chance of 2-0


But the gophers are better offensively when Taylor plays so if he is playing I would lean the 2-0 more likely than the 0-2 by a percent or two.


Smart money on 1-1
 

significant factor, as they travel to play Northwestern at Wrigley Field. Minnesota’s offensive struggles are apparent, ranking 96th in passing yards and 121st in rushing yards nationally.

Wow, 121st Nationally, I didn’t realize it was quite that bad, denial is not only a river in Egypt.
With the 2 defenses left ,in the regular season, it’s hard to see a win. I hope they find something.
Fire Harbaugh.
 

Damn, There is a lot to like about Northwestern…or so some say. I saw ‘em playing a time or two but just don’t see it.

One of their tough games was supposed to have been PSU in a year when PSU just didn’t show up so frequently their coach was terminated
by the middle of the season.

Seems to me this is the perfect time for this Gopher team to play the ‘cats on a Saturday morning not in Ryan Field but in an old baseball park. This just feels right! Kind of exciting I think!
 



You Wager Blog is siding with Northwestern
I’m going to stick with Northwestern, but I think this upcoming game is going to be fairly good. This past weekend, the Wildcats came close to making a comeback against Michigan, but they were ultimately unsuccessful.

With only 245 yards, 11 first downs, and a questionable success percentage of 2 out of 12 on third-down conversions, Northwestern’s offense had a difficult time passing the ball.

However, Northwestern was able to stay in the game because to the five takeaways, despite the fact that the defense allowed a total of 496 yards and 25 first downs.


Sports Book Wire is picking Northwestern, 25-17
The Wildcats head into the matchup after losing 24-22 to the Michigan Wolverines in their last outing on Nov. 15. In that matchup with the Wolverines, Preston Stone had 184 yards on 13-of-27 passing (48.1%) for the Wildcats, with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

He also carried the ball two times for -11 yards and one rushing touchdown.The Golden Gophers are underdogs, but by less than a touchdown (+3.5), versus the Wildcats


DRatings is predicting Northwestern will win 22-19
By percentage, the site gives Northwestern a 56.7 percent chance at a victory.

At Medium, Northwestern is favored, 17-10
 


The rest of the staff at Gophers on SI are out with predictions
Joe Nelson picks Northwestern, 20-16
Northwestern isn't good, but neither are the Gophers. The hype around playing at Wrigley Field will be big, but Northwestern already knows what to expect after nearly beating No. 18 Michigan there last week. The Wildcats appear to be heading in the right direction, while the Gophers may be heading in the opposite direction.

Darius Taylor could be the difference, but it's hard to look at the numbers — Northwestern has rushed for more than 600 yards than Minnesota this season — and think Taylor can single-handedly bring the Gophers out of the gutter. I think the Gophers lose again after another uninspiring offensive performance.


Will Ragatz selects Northwestern, 20-17
I should mention off the top that I’m a Northwestern alum and, although I root for my hometown Gophers in every other game, I’ll be in the stands at Wrigley Field on Saturday wearing purple and cheering for the ’Cats. I went to NU during an incredible era for the football program (we went 36-17 with three bowl wins from 2015-18), but with a couple exceptions, the team has mostly stunk since then.

This year’s squad, being 5-5 with some close losses to good teams, has been a pleasant surprise. Having watched both of these teams quite a bit over the last few months, I’m not expecting an aesthetically pleasing football contest. As for the result, I’ll believe that Minnesota is capable of winning a game away from home when I see it.


Jonathan Harrison goes with Minnesota, 14-12
The biggest spectacle in this game is football at Wrigley Field. Minnesota needs to show something after, predictably, getting thumped last Friday by Oregon. The offense has struggled this season and has to show some signs of turning the corner over these last two games.

Statistically, both teams are pretty similar with poor offenses and lackluster defenses, though Northwestern sports a top-30 pass defense while Minnesota has a top-20 run defense. Neither team really pops off the screen this season, and I imagine this will be a close game; Minnesota squeaks one out in Chicago.
 


College Football News is siding with Northwestern, 20-17
Minnesota has a bigger problem with sharp passing teams than good running teams, and lately, Northwestern isn't completing enough midrange throws. This will be ugly at times, and be shocked if it's any sort of a firefight. Northwestern will come through in the final moments of a tight defensive battle.

Tony’s Picks sees a 23-17 Northwestern win
Minnesota’s passing efficiency, injury issues at receiver, and limited run production all put extra weight on Lindsey to sustain drives. Northwestern doesn’t have a perfect offensive profile either, but Komolafe’s consistency gives them a sturdier baseline.

Both defenses have given up big plays recently… Northwestern’s healthier backfield and steadier home performance tilt things slightly toward the favorite.
 





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