Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Syracuse Orange Point Spread Picks

Both of these teams will travel far to play in the Texas Bowl, as 8-4 Minnesota takes on 6-6 Syracuse. The Gophers did a respectable job ATS vs. Bowl teams on their schedule at 6-2 ATS, but overall they were out-gained by 75 yards per game. Syracuse also faced eight Bowl teams on the season, splitting them ATS, but were out-gained by just 60 yards. There isn't much to chose from here between these teams, as they appear to be even. Minnesota uses a two QB system, and I don't like that situation with the long layoff between games, as it is hard to get used to different QBs calling signals and the timing tends to be off. The Gophers struggled all year for points, and finished in the bottom 25% of all FBS teams on offense. Both of these teams like to stick to the ground, and both have played well defensively in the second half of the season. This looks like one of those 50-50 games ultimately decided by a FG. The Orange have had success outside the conference at 7-1 ATS in their last eight, and on a neutral field, they are 4-0 ATS in their last four. The points loom large here, so back Syracuse.