Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Oregon State Beavers Point Spread Picks

Oregon State begins its second season under Gary Anderson with a lot of work to do on offense after averaging 19 points per contest. The passing game averaged 159 yards, good (or bad) for 116th in the nation. They have new quarterbacks to work in, but the defense looks better as new coordinator Kevin Clune adds a 3-4 scheme. The change puts the linebackers closer to the line of scrimmage and gives defensive linemen more freedom, meaning the Beavers should generate more pressure in the backfield. Five defensive backs with extensive experience are also back. Minnesota has a new coach in Tracy Claeys, though he has worked with former coach Jerry Kill for 21 years. He inherits a dismal offense, one that ranked #100 in the nation in scoring (24.6 ppg), #74 in passing and #101 in rushing. Minnesota loses its top receiver from last season and has to replace seven offensive linemen who had experience. The new coach adds OC Jay Johnson, who is a proponent of running the football and mixing in short, safe passes. The defense is the strength of the team with eight starters back to a unit that allowed 26.1 points per game (#59). The secondary, and cornerback in particular, is very strong anchored by senior CB Jalen Myrick. Former Junior college LB transfer Cody Poock is a keeper and Defensive Tackle Steven Richardson started 12 games as a true freshman and was a star. For both teams, the defenses are better while the offenses will look to run and control the football, which eats up yards and the clock. This one stays UNDER.