New Mexico Lobos vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Prediction, 12/26/2025 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: New Mexico Lobos vs Minnesota Golden Gophers

Date: Friday, December 26, 2025

Location: Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ

TV: ESPN

Odds/Point Spread: Golden Gophers (-2.0)

Total/Over-Under: 44.5

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-5) are welcoming the New Mexico Lobos (9-3) at Chase Field on Friday, December 26, 2025 in the Rate Bowl. Minnesota opens this matchup as 2.0-point favorites. The betting total is set at 44.5.

The New Mexico Lobos come into this matchup with a record of 9-3 for this season. In their last game, the Lobos played the San Diego State Aztecs and notched a win by a score of 23-17. In all, they ran 60 plays for 308 yds. The New Mexico Lobos rushed the ball a total of 35 times and accumulated 181 yds, which is an average of 5.2 yards per carry. Against the rush, the Lobos conceded 193 yds on 42 attempts, which is an average of 4.6 yds per run allowed. New Mexico surrendered 14 completions on 24 attempts for 162 yards, and a completion percentage of 58.3%.

The Lobos have racked up 4,435 total yards over the course of this year. When it comes to getting in the endzone, New Mexico has compiled 17 touchdowns through the air and 22 rushing touchdowns. They have turned the football over 22 different times. New Mexico has earned 235 1st downs as a unit, and they have committed 70 penalties for 584 yards. As a team they're averaging 155.1 yards via the ground game ranking them 73rd in college football. Concerning getting in the endzone, the New Mexico Lobos are averaging 27.9 points per game.

In terms of passing yards, the Lobos have given up 2,832 yds which has them sitting in 93rd in college football. They have yielded 236.0 yards per contest through the air and giving up a completion percentage of 68.8%. In total, they are conceding 349.4 yards/game which has them ranked 49th in Division 1. They have conceded 17 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 13 touchdowns via the ground game. Opposing teams are running for an average of 3.4 yards per attempt on the ground and 113.4 yards on the ground per contest on the season. In total, they have conceded 1,361 yards via the ground game in 12 contests. The Lobos are sitting in 48th in the nation when it comes to the opposition scoring, allowing 22.5 points per game.

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The Golden Gophers head into this matchup 7-5 for this season. When they last stepped on the field, the Golden Gophers took home the win by a final score of 17-7 against the Wisconsin Badgers. The Golden Gophers finished the game with 218 yards on 56 plays (3.9 yds per play). Minnesota ended up running for 4.0 yds per attempt, totaling 128 yards on 32 carries. Minnesota conceded 28 rush attempts for 86 yards (3.1 yards per carry). The Golden Gophers pass defense conceded a completion percentage of 63.0%, surrendering 182 yds on 17 out of 27 through the air.

The Minnesota Golden Gophers hold an average of 296.6 yards per contest, which has them ranked 128th in the country. The Minnesota offense has totaled 319 yards of penalties on 40 infractions, ranking them 134th in the nation in terms of helping out the other team. They are averaging 103.1 yards per game via the ground game and have toted the ball for 1,237 yards for the year. They have given away 7 interceptions while surrendering 1 fumbles and they have been able to earn 206 1st downs. Concerning how much they score, the Golden Gophers are sitting 98th in the nation averaging 23.3 PPG. During the season so far, the Golden Gophers have compiled 2,322 passing yards as well as an average of 193.5 throwing yards per contest, which ranks 104th in college football.

The Golden Gophers are conceding 23.4 points per contest, which has them 57th in Division 1. Minnesota has surrendered a total of 1,458 rushing yards (121.5 yards per game) and 16 touchdowns rushing on the year. They have conceded 16 touchdowns through the air and 220.8 yards/outing, which puts them in 67th in D-1. The Golden Gophers defense has been on the field for 727 plays, which is 9th in college football. Their defense has earned 7 fumbles and 8 interceptions for the season. This year, they have surrendered 281 points in total.

Who will win tonight's Lobos/Golden Gophers college football game against the spread?

Josh's Pick: Take the Golden Gophers -2.0

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