Minnesota vs. Michigan State: Will the Golden Gophers Withstand First Test of the Season?

Minnesota Injury Report:

The Minnesota Golden Gophers haven’t faced the Michigan State Spartans since 2017 and haven’t played at East Lansing since 2013. The Spartans have dominated the Golden Gophers for the past decade, with their last loss coming in 2009. This is a different team coached by PJ Fleck. The Minnesota Golden Gophers enter this game as three-point favorites, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. But, injuries on their offense could change their advantage.

Golden Gophers wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell suffered a lower leg injury that will require him to miss the rest of the season. His head coach had a lot of positive words to say, “He’s a huge member of this football team, he’ll continue to be a huge member of this football team,”  said Fleck. His leadership is second-to-none, and we’re going to need that from him as we go through Big Ten play.”Autman-Bell had a fantastic start to his senior season leading the team in receptions and yards. He also recorded one touchdown while averaging 19.5 yards per reception.

Minnesota will have to rely on their fourth-ranked scoring defense and punishing running game behind starting running back Mohamed Ibrahim. Their senior running back is returning from an Achilles injury but hasn’t looked hampered. He’s averaging 6.9 yards per carry and 464 yards in three games. The Golden Gophers will test Michigan State’s rush defense early.

Michigan State Injury Report:

The Michigan State Spartans are coming off a 39-28 loss to Washington, and they allowed nearly 400 yards passing to rising star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The defense has felt a blow while losing linebacker Darius Snow to a season-ending leg injury in the team’s season opener. Snow was set to repeat as one of the best coverage linebackers in the nation. Nevertheless, since he’s only a junior, he has the chance to return next season.

Another defensive injury the team has suffered is starting safety and team leader Xavier Henderson. He suffered a severe leg injury and is considered out indefinitely. Henderson was the heart of the Spartans’ defense, which showed in the team losing to Washington. The communication on the backend waned as Henderson couldn’t “direct traffic”. The team will look for Brooks Kendell and Angelo Grose to step up in Henderson’s absence.

Lastly, Jayden Reed has been questionable going into this week’s matchup. He did not participate in the team’s pre-game warmups last week because he didn’t fly with the team. He sustained a cut on his back in the team’s week two game against Akron. When Reed returns, he will bring a veteran presence and reliable production to the Spartans’ offense. This is what the Minnesota head coach had to say about Reed, “I think one of their best players is coming back this week for sure.”

Minnesota vs. Michigan State Week 4 Odds

The Golden Gophers are 3-point favorites and the over/under is 50.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Minnesota is +1500 to win the Big Ten, while Michigan State is +5000.

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