2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota Golden Gophers Face Off Against Virginia Tech Hokies
The stage is set for an exciting matchup in the 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl, as the Minnesota Golden Gophers take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Friday. The Golden Gophers, led by coach P.J. Fleck, are favored by 10 points, with the over/under for total points set at 43.
Minnesota is looking to extend its impressive bowl game winning streak, with Fleck boasting a 5-0 straight-up record in postseason games. The Golden Gophers have also been on a roll against the spread, with an 8-3-1 ATS record, the best in the Big Ten.
One of the key factors contributing to Minnesota’s success is its top-12 scoring defense. The Golden Gophers have been stout on both the ground and in the air, ranking in the top 25 nationally in both yards per rush allowed and yards per pass attempt given up. This defensive prowess has been complemented by a clutch offense, which ranks in the top 25 in both third-down conversion percentage and redzone scoring.
On the other side of the ball, Virginia Tech is looking to overcome the loss of star running back Bhayshul Tuten, who has opted out of the game. However, the Hokies have a commanding run game that has overwhelmed some of the best teams in the country. They’ll be relying on this strength to try and keep the Golden Gophers’ defense on its heels.
Wideout Stephen Gosnell is another key player to watch for Virginia Tech. His ability to make downfield plays and exploit defensive weaknesses has been a game-changer for the Hokies. Additionally, Virginia Tech’s strong pass defense, which allows the sixth-lowest completion percentage in college football, could cause issues for Minnesota’s offense.
The SportsLine model has simulated the game 10,000 times and is leaning Over on the total, projecting 50 combined points. It’s also generated a point-spread pick that is hitting in well over 50% of simulations.
As the two teams prepare to face off, fans can expect an exciting and closely contested matchup. With Minnesota’s impressive bowl game record and Virginia Tech’s strong run game, this game has all the makings of a classic. The 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
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