Minnesota Vs. Northwestern 2025 @ Wrigley - Media Predictions

[IceBoxGopher]

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.

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

Never heard of Pick Dawgz and Capper Tek. They're dinks obviously.

 

[MNVCGUY]

My prediction for the media predictions thread.....lots and lots of 20-17 type picks majority giving slight edge to Northwestern because they are at home.

 

[restovich]

My prediction. Dink week.

 

[Unregistered User]

I'm going to have to act like I'm going to a Gallagher concert and wear a poncho, there's so much dink flying around.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

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.

 

[Tech Machine]

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.

 

[Some guy]

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

 

[The Deliberate Stranger]

Don't turn the ball over, get Darius Taylor going, whether that's on the ground or through the air. If we're as creative and aggressive as we were vs Oregon it will actually pay off the next two weeks

 

[Tech Machine]

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.

 

[Some guy]

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

 

[howeda7]

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.

 

[imthewalrus]

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!

 

[IceBoxGopher]

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

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

If feel like I'm being repeatedly kicked in the groin.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

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.

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

Jonathan Harrison goes with Minnesota, 14-12

Credit to Jonathan to both not being a dink, and picking a classic B1G West football score!

 

[IceBoxGopher]

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.

 

[stocker08]

Never heard of Pick Dawgz and Capper Tek. They're dinks obviously.

These websites have been discredited.....despite their unique tek and pick making dawgz.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

The Pioneer Press sees Minnesota winning 19-17
Minnesota Offense Vs. Northwestern Defense: Under David Braun, the Wildcats have kept up the tough defensive identity forged under ex-coach Pat Fitzgerald. They are allowing 19.6 points per game, which is good for 23rd in the country. Edge: Northwestern

Minnesota Defense Vs. Northwestern Offense: Edge Anthony Smith has 9 1/2 sacks this season and can be the first U player to reach double digits since Willie VanDeSteeg in 2008. LT Caleb Tiernan is a top NFL prospect in the nation and has a sterling 87.8 pass-blocking grade, per PFF. Edge: Minnesota

Special Teams: The Gophers have blocked one field goal this year, while Northwestern has had one attempt blocked. Edge: Minnesota

Prediction: The over-under point total of 40.5 seems fitting for what is shaping up to be a real slobber knocker. The Gophers will find just enough creative (and repetitious) ways to get the ball to Taylor in space to earn their first road win.

Gopher Illustrated (247 Sports) takes Minnesota, 23-21
This game will be about the X's and O's, as unlike last week where Minnesota got out Jimmy and Joe'd, and it'll be played on a surface that'll be the worst of the season at Wrigley Field. With the amount of slippage I'm anticipating, I'm not expecting a ton of explosive plays.

This Northwestern team is very disciplined, but they are prone to putting the ball in harms way, while the Gopher defense refuses to take the ball away on the road. I believe in the curse of Wrigley for the Wildcats, and a late Drake Lindsey to Jameson Geers connection gets Brady Denaburg onto the field and he walks off Northwestern for a second straight week.

Winners and Whiners forecasts a Northwestern win
It is now or nearly never for Northwestern at home on Saturday vs. Minnesota. The Gophers are 0-4 on the road this season, and the Wildcats have just one loss at home. The Wildcats will once again need to be aggressive on the ground, riding a running attack that ranks 44th in the country in rushing.

They’ll also turn to a bend but don’t break defense that ranks 24th in the country in points allowed, despite ranking just 100th against the run. Luckily for the Wildcats, Minnesota ranks 125th in the country in rushing. If they turn to the air, they’ll face Northwestern’s 35th-ranked pass defense.

Northwestern has allowed an average of 12 points per game in its last two home games. Northwestern will seize the moment in this critical matchup.

Sports Chat Place is going with Northwestern
Northwestern comes into this contest looking to snap a three game losing streak, but they nearly upset Michigan last week and will be at home. The Wildcats have played much better at home this season, while Minnesota is 0-4 on the road.

The Golden Gophers have allowed 41 and 42 points in their last two road games and their offense has been very low scoring away from home. If this game was at Minnesota, it would be a different story, but take Northwestern to win here.

Scores and Stats sides with Northwestern, 24-21
Northwestern’s defensive discipline and home-field advantage at Wrigley create an environment conducive to a tight, possession-based matchup. Minnesota counters with a more dynamic run game and slightly more explosive offensive potential.

This game may come down to field position, turnovers, and fourth-quarter execution. Northwestern has shown resilience in close contests, while Minnesota’s road inconsistency remains a factor.

Trojans Wire (USA Today) predicts a Minnesota win
This game will really be a toss-up. P.J. Fleck has to win this game, right? I will lean more towards the Gophers, I think they are the more talented team, not by much though. This will be a close dog fight, though, between two teams fighting to be an above-average team in the Big Ten. I like the Gophers to steal this game late in the 4th quarter.

Bet Clan gives Northwestern a 64% probability of winning

 

[IceBoxGopher]

The Star Tribune picks Minnesota, 20-17
The way the Gophers’ season has played out, predicting the outcome of this game could be as simple as recognizing that all of Minnesota’s wins have been at home and all of its losses have been on the road. But that’s no fun, and the hunch here is that the Gophers will show some pride and beat a .500 opponent. A healthy Taylor will make a difference in a tight, physical game.

 

[Ski-U-Ham]

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.