With neither quarterback projected to throw for much more than 200 yards, these teams will set the pace with the ground game. Minnesota is the better team here obviously based on the Vegas odds yet is not known to put a lot of points on the scoreboard. Last year's season opener saw the Golden Gophers lose 23-17 to TCU, and their first three games all went Under. This matchup will lead to a similar low-scoring result.

Early action has been all over Minnesota, which opened as a 10-point favorite against Oregon State but is up to –13 at most outlets. I find this a little puzzling for a rugged Golden Gophers club that has long played better as an underdog and has only covered once as a double-digit favorite in the past two seasons. Underrated dual-threat QB Mitch Leidner leads an offense that returns a strong returning core for first-year coach Tracy Claeys. I think the line movement is more of a play-against stance on Oregon State, which is widely picked to be in the Pac-12 cellar. But coach Gary Andersen has added some valuable pieces including quarterback Darell Garretson, a transfer whom he coached at Utah State. I think the Beavers will do just enough to stay with the plodding Gophers, and this spread is a solid value position on the underdog.