There is every reason to believe Minnesota can be competitive against Penn State, particularly at home in the biggest game the Golden Gophers have had in quite some time. But ultimately, will Minnesota be able to last four quarters against team in Penn State that beat a far superior Michigan team by seven? Minny has put up big scoring margins against bad teams, while Penn State has done the same but also been tested against far tougher competition this season.

Running the table in the Big 10 always has its November road blocks. Both Penn State and Minnesota had a bye week before Saturday’s undefeated showdown. Even with the Gophers' vaunted offense, look for the Nittany Lions to have enough counters on the road to prevail ATS.

The Golden Gophers' defensive stats are inflated due to the fact that they've benefitted from opponents with massive offensive injuries. They don't have the speed or talent to keep up with the likes of K.J. Hamler and Noah Cain.

Why is an 8-0 team ranked only No. 17? Well, it's mostly because Minnesota hasn't played anybody. The best team it has beaten is 5-4 Illinois. Illinois also happens to be the only Big Ten team that had its starting QB against Minnesota, and he left the game early with an injury. Penn State is far and away the best team Minnesota has faced, and when you combine that with the stakes of this game -- which Minnesota is not used to dealing with -- makes Penn State the smart play here.

The Golden Gophers are off to their best start in about four decades and rewarded coach P.J. Fleck with a contract extension. Minnesota has done well on both sides of the ball, but its balanced offense will be put to the test against a Penn State defense that is among the best in college football. Expect some nerves from the Gophers in a game of this magnitude.