- Matchup: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs California Golden Bears
- Event Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
- Venue: California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, CA
- Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
- Betting Odds: Golden Bears (+2.5)
- Total Points Over/Under: 44
The Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-0) are set to visit California Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 13, 2025, where they will face the California Golden Bears (2-0). Minnesota enters the game as 2.5-point favorites. The total points line is set at 44.
With a record of 2-0 this season, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are coming off an impressive victory. In their recent game against the Northwestern State Demons, the Golden Gophers triumphed decisively with a score of 66-0. On defense, they allowed only 19 rushing yards on 22 attempts, averaging a mere 0.9 yards per carry. In the passing game, the Gophers conceded 9 completions on 15 throws for a total of 23 yards, translating to a completion percentage of 60.0%. Overall, they executed 63 plays for 484 total yards. The Gophers’ ground attack was formidable, amassing 258 rushing yards on 46 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt.
In terms of scoring, the Minnesota Golden Gophers have an average of 44.5 points per game. They are also attaining an average of 205.5 rushing yards, which places them 37th in Division 1. This season, Minnesota has accumulated a total of 927 yards. In terms of touchdowns, they’ve scored 4 through the air and 5 on the ground, securing 52 first downs while committing 6 penalties for 55 yards. They have turned the ball over 2 times this season.
The Gophers are ranked 6th nationally in opponent scoring defense, conceding just 5.0 points per game. They allow an average of only 1.4 rushing yards per attempt and a mere 31.5 rushing yards per contest. Over the first two games, they have given up only 63 yards on the ground. In passing defense, they rank first in the nation, allowing just 130 yards through the air, with a completion percentage against of 60.0%. On average, they give up 96.5 yards per game, also a top ranking nationally, with only 1 touchdown allowed through the air.
The California Golden Bears are also entering this contest with a 2-0 record. In their last outing, they defeated the Texas Southern Tigers with a commanding score of 35-3. The Bears’ defense limited their opponents to 22 rushing attempts for just 52 yards (an average of 2.4 yards per rush). In the air, California’s secondary permitted a completion rate of 55.6%, yielding 140 yards on 20 completions out of 36 attempts. Overall, California managed 467 yards of offense on 73 plays (6.4 yards per play), with a strong rushing performance averaging 5.3 yards per carry and totaling 181 yards on 34 attempts.
For the season, the California Golden Bears are averaging 411.5 total yards per game, which ranks them 63rd in college football. They have incurred 120 yards in penalties over 13 infractions, positioning them 50th nationally in this regard. The Bears are averaging 151.5 rushing yards per game and have compiled a total of 303 rushing yards so far. They boast 38 first downs. In terms of scoring, California is placing 48th nationally with 34.5 points per contest. This season, they have amassed 520 passing yards with an average of 260.0 yards per game, ranking them 40th in the country.
In terms of defense, the Golden Bears allow just 9.0 points per game, placing them 19th in the nation. They have permitted a total of 117 rushing yards (averaging 58.5 yards per game) and 2 rushing touchdowns this season. In the passing game, they have yet to allow a touchdown, conceding 194.0 yards per game, ranking them 67th in Division 1. The Golden Bears’ defense has participated in 119 plays, ranking them 38th nationally, and they have collected 1 fumble and 2 interceptions this season.
Who will take the win in this college football showdown: the Golden Gophers or the Golden Bears?
Predicted Outcome: Choose the Golden Gophers -2.5
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