New Mexico vs. Minnesota

We have New Mexico of the Mountain West Conference meeting Minnesota of the Big Ten Conference in the Rate Bowl. Until Hawaii pulled a late comeback victory against California on Christmas Eve, Mountain West teams were 0-3 SU and ATS in bowl action this season. Minnesota played the more challenging schedule, being in a much superior conference. The Gophers are 6-0 in bowl competition under P.J. Fleck. New Mexico last played in a bowl game back in 2016. Neither team has a dynamic offense. Minnesota, though, has a strong run defense, an outstanding pass rush with 35 sacks (second-best in the Big Ten), and turned the ball over only eight times, compared to the Lobo's losing the ball 22 times. New Mexico averaged 1.9 turnovers per game, ranking 124th. The game is being played at Chase Field in Phoenix. Minnesota travels well, so the Gophers will receive good fan support. Take Minnesota.