Minnesota vs Northwestern State Prediction: Can the Gophers Find Their Offensive Spark?

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Sep 2, 2025 5:44 PM ET

Minnesota was fine in the 23-10 win over Buffalo.

There wasn’t any real concern, and the defense was dominant, but the offense was a little bit off. Darius Taylor ran for 141 yards, and Drake Lindsey threw for almost 300 with two touchdowns, but it was still a 13-10 game until it finally broke open in the fourth.

This is the game to get everything sharp, with a trip to Cal up next, followed up by the Big Ten opener against Rutgers, and then a date at Ohio State.

Northwestern State went 0-12 last year, dropped 20 straight, and it all stopped with a 20-10 victory over Alcorn State to open up the season. It’s a paycheck game, but the season has already been an early success.

Minnesota vs Northwestern State Preview: Gophers Need To Get Rolling

Minnesota vs Northwestern State: How To Watch

Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
@PeteFiutak

Northwestern State Has to Win The Mistake Battle

The Demons are about to get steamrolled, so they need Minnesota to be unfocused to keep this competitive.

The Northwestern State defense was solid, but the team was saved by 15 McNeese State penalties and three turnovers. Offensively, there wasn’t a whole lot that worked, but the Demons took advantage of every opportunity, the defense didn’t break after bending a bit, and …

Minnesota's Defense Should Be Great

Minnesota was only flagged twice against Buffalo and turned it over once.

The defense was fantastic against the Bulls. It didn’t allow a thing against the run, was dominant on third downs, and gave up just 151 yards on the day. Northwestern State doesn’t have the offense to keep up any sort of pace after the first few drives, but again …

The Gophers Will Call Their Shot

Minnesota has to use this game to open up the scoring punch.

There should be a balance, and the starters should get their work in over the first 30 minutes and then sit, but if there aren’t a bajillion points scored here, there’s a problem.

Northwestern State lost to Tulsa 62-28 last year and had an 87-10 problem against South Alabama. The Gophers will put up points early, and then the dogs will be called off.

Minnesota vs Northwestern State Prediction, Betting Lines

Minnesota 55, Northwestern State 0
Line: COMING, o/u: COMING
ATS Confidence out of 5: COMING
Must See Rating: 1

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This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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