We like the stubborn Gophers to push the Hawkeyes in this rivalry in this rivalry game and perhaps have a chance to win following the Hawkeyes; taxing win over Penn State last week.

I like how balance the Gophers are on offense, showing that they can create explosives with the passing game and the run game. Last week's matchup vs Nebraska put the country on notice with how good they are at the point of attack. I can trust them more than Iowa at this juncture of the season.

Iowa's offense isn't nearly effective enough to justify being this big a favorite against anyone, let alone in a rivalry game of this magnitude. Minnesota matches up well, and should keep this game close, making the price here attractive.

Minnesota comes off its most impressive win this year, a whitewashing of Nebraska, and gets an extra day of preparation to boot. Whenever a game total stands south of 40 and the underdog owns the better defense, receiving nearly double digits is irresistable. Iowa QB Mark Gronowski has yet to toss a TD pass against a power-league opponent. The Gophers rank as the 20th most efficient run defense. Its own RB, Darius Taylor, seems to have shaken off an earlier injury and is thriving once more.