Minnesota Golden Gophers vs California Golden Bears Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 13, 2025
Get ready for an electrifying Week 3 showdown as the Minnesota Golden Gophers clash with the California Golden Bears. Set to unfold at California Memorial Stadium on September 13th at 10:30 PM ET, this game, airing on ESPN, promises an exciting matchup with two teams at 2-0 right now for our Golden Gophers vs. Golden Bears prediction. With these teams coming off strong starts to the season, let's dive into the stats, injuries, and key insights to preview what's in store. Find the edge fast with our NCAAF picks for Minnesota Golden Gophers vs California Golden Bears.
Golden Gophers Dominating Early On
The Minnesota Golden Gophers are getting ready to continue stepping up on the offensive side of the ball and this should be able to continue doing well as they are coming off a 66-0 home victory over the FCS Northwestern State Demons. Minnesota’s offense is led by quarterback Drake Lindsey, who can complete 27-of-44 passes for 429 yards with three passing touchdowns and one interception. Their total offense stands at 463.5 yards per game, ranking 36th nationally, with rushing accounting for a solid 205.5 yards (40th nationally). The passing game is ranked 44th with an average of 258.0 yards per game
Defensively, Minnesota has been incredible, allowing 96.5 total yards per game (first nationally), with its pass defense standing out, allowing just 6.2 yards per completion (fourth nationally).
Injury Report for Minnesota
- Wide receiver Bradley Martino: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Legend Lyons: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Daniel Shipp: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Kicker Sam Henson: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Cornerback Mike Gerald: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Defensive lineman Theorin Randle: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Offensive guard Spencer Alvarez: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Wide receiver Cristian Driver: Undisclosed (Questionable)
- Linebacker Drew Wilson: Undisclosed (OUT)
- Defensive lineman Mo Omonode: Undisclosed (OUT)
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Golden Bears Looking Sharp
The California Golden Bears are off to a hot start this season with a 2-0 record as they are coming off a 35-3 home win over the Texas Southern Tigers. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has stepped up this season as he has completed 46-of-67 (68.7%) of his passes for 493 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. As a team, they are ranked 67th in college football with 411.5 total yards per game. They are also dominating nationally in passing yards, averaging 260.0 per game (40th). The rushing game, contributing 151.5 yards per game (83rd nationally), might see an increased emphasis on handing the ball off.
The Golden Bears’ defense, allowing an average of 252.5 total yards per game, has been their strength this season (33rd nationally). Their rush defense, in particular, has been impressive, conceding only 58.5 yards per game (14th). Their pass defense, allowing 194.0 yards per game, is still a strong point and will be a critical force for the result of this game.
Injury Report for California
No injuries to report
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. California Golden Bears Pick
Spread Pick for Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. California Golden Bears
- Minnesota Golden Gophers -140 (5 units)
These teams are stepping up, but there is a difference between Minnesota and Cal. The Golden Gophers have shown the ability to dominate offensively, while the Golden Bears are not doing as well throughout the year. Minnesota looked great and has shown zero signs of struggling and has completely shut down the opposing offense. They are the more physical team in this game. Go with the Minnesota Golden Gophers to secure the victory to improve to 3-0.
Over/Under Pick for Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. California Golden Bears
- Under 42.5 (4 units)
These defenses have dominated as they have allowed 28 combined points throughout the season right now. Both defenses force the opposing offense to run the football as Minnesota is giving up 23.0 rushing attempts while California is allowing 24.5 rushing attempts, while these programs are stopping things. Two of the top defensive programs in the country show a tough scoring night for both sides, so take the under here.
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