The Duke’s Mayo Bowl will feature a Big Ten vs. ACC matchup when Minnesota takes on Virginia Tech at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. With the Golden Gophers laying nine points and the total sitting at 42.5, what’s the smart bet in tonight’s matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Minnesota Golden Gophers (-9) at Virginia Tech Hokies (+9); o/u 42.5
7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, January 3, 2025
Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
TV: ESPN
Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech Bowl Public Betting: Bettors Backing Gophers
As of this writing, our CFB Public Betting page shows that 57% of bets are on Minnesota. That said, this page is updated frequently so make sure that you click on the link provided so that you’re getting the most updated information.
Brosmer scores three total scores in victory
Max Brosmer was 17-for-26 passing for 191 yards and two touchdowns during Friday’s 24-7 win against Wisconsin. He also had four rushes for negative eight yards with one touchdown. To go along with his one-yard rushing score to open the scoring on the day, Brosmer connected with receiver Daniel Jackson and tight end Jameson Geers on touchdown passes of seven and 15 yards, respectively, giving the Golden Gophers what would prove to be an insurmountable 21-0 lead in the third quarter.
The senior quarterback had a solid first season at the D-I level after transferring in from New Hampshire in the off-season, throwing for 2,617 yards and 17 touchdowns to five interceptions while adding five scores on the ground as well. Assuming he doesn’t opt out, the Golden Gophers’ upcoming bowl game will serve as his final opportunity to show out in a Minnesota uniform.
Drones dealing with multiple injuries
Kyron Drones is dealing with an MCL, a stress fracture and turf toe, Damien Sordelett of The Roanoke Times reports. The quarterback was reportedly able to get some throws in during the Hokies’ bowl game practice, but the quarterback remains doubtful to play against Minnesota on Jan. 3. If Drones can’t go Colin Schlee or William Watson figures to get the start for Virginia Tech.
Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech Bowl Betting Trends
Minnesota is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Virginia Tech’s last 16 games
Minnesota is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech Bowl Prediction
Take Minnesota. The Golden Gophers were one of the strongest spread teams in college football this season, posting a 9-2-1 ATS record on the year. This is one of the few teams that gave Penn State issues during the regular season. That same Penn State team is now in the semi-finals of the college football playoff after blowing out SMU and Boise State. As an 11.5-point home dog, the Golden Gophers nearly beat the Nittany Lions outright.
The Hokies, meanwhile, beat Virginia 37-17 as a 5-point favorite to close out their regular season. That said, VA Tech had lost its three previous games entering that matchup with UVA. The Hokies’ biggest wins this season came against Georgia Tech, Boston College and the aforementioned Virginia. Not exactly a Murder’s Row of opponents. Not to mention, VA Tech is dealing with a slew of opt-outs ahead of tonight’s game.
Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech Bowl Prediction: Minnesota Golden Gophers -9