Indiana football got back on track last weekend with a gritty 13-6 overtime victory against Michigan, and now it's another tough road test for the Hoosiers against Minnesota.
Curt Cignetti's squad enters Saturday's contest as a 20.5-point favorite, a significant number considering Minnesota has already knocked off several quality opponents this season. Still, Indiana has been one of the most complete teams in college football, and there are several betting opportunities worth considering.
Here are five bets from FanDuel that I like heading into Saturday's matchup, ranked from most to least appealing.
1. Turbo Richard 60+ Rushing Yards (-270)
Indiana has established itself as a physical football team capable of controlling games on the ground, and Richard has become an important part of that identity. With the Hoosiers favored by nearly three touchdowns, there's reason to believe they'll have opportunities to lean on their running game. Richard reaching 60 yards seems attainable, particularly if Indiana establishes an early lead and looks to control the clock throughout the second half.
2. Josh Hoover 2+ Passing Touchdowns (-132)
Hoover hasn't been at his best over the last couple of weeks, particularly against Michigan's defense, but he's still capable of producing multiple touchdowns through the air. Minnesota ranks No. 11 nationally against the pass, making this a challenging matchup. However, Indiana has enough offensive weapons to create scoring opportunities, and getting Hoover back into a rhythm should be a priority for Cignetti and his offensive staff.
3. Nick Marsh 5+ Receptions (-158)
Marsh has established himself as one of the most dangerous receivers in the Big Ten, and Indiana would be wise to make him a significant part of Saturday's offensive game plan, especially if the Gophers try to neutralize Charlie Becker. Minnesota's pass defense has been excellent, but Marsh possesses the size, athleticism and playmaking ability to challenge even the best secondaries. Five receptions is a reasonable target, especially if Hoover looks to his top receiver early and often.
4. Darius Taylor Under 31.5 Rushing Yards (-114)
Indiana's defense has been outstanding against the run, ranking No. 4 nationally, and Minnesota could have a difficult time establishing anything on the ground. Taylor is a talented running back, but the Hoosiers have consistently made life miserable for opposing rushing attacks. If Indiana builds an early lead, Minnesota could also be forced to abandon its running game. At nearly even-money odds, this is one of the more intriguing defensive matchup bets available.
5. Indiana -14.5 Alternate Spread (-225)
The Hoosiers are favored by 20.5 points, but Minnesota has demonstrated enough toughness this season to make that number somewhat uncomfortable. Moving the spread down to 14.5 points provides additional breathing room while still offering a reasonable expectation for Indiana. The Hoosiers should have advantages on both sides of the football, particularly defensively, and a victory by at least 15 points feels attainable if the offense plays to its potential.
All odds are from FanDuel and are subject to change. These selections are opinions, not guarantees. Please wager responsibly.
Source: Yahoo Sports





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