Michigan Wolverines vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Prediction, 10/3/2026 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Michigan Wolverines vs Minnesota Golden Gophers

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Location: Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN

TV: FOX

Odds/Point Spread: Golden Gophers (+4.5)

Total/Over-Under: 43.5

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-1) welcome the Michigan Wolverines (3-1) at Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Michigan opens this game as 4.5-point favorites from oddsmakers. The over/under comes in at 43.5.

The Michigan Wolverines head into this game 3-1 for this season. The last time they stepped onto the field, the Wolverines played the Iowa Hawkeyes and went home with a loss by a final score of 20-19. Against the run, the Wolverines conceded 58 yds on 24 tries, which is 2.4 yds per run surrendered. Michigan relinquished 21 completions on 35 attempts for 227 yards, and a completion rate of 60.0%. At the end of the game, they ran 68 plays which gave them a total of 429 yards. The Michigan Wolverines ran the ball 40 different times and amassed 153 yds, which earned them an average of 3.8 yards per carry.

The Wolverines have tallied 1,399 yards in total over the course of this season. When it comes to scoring, Michigan has amassed 6 passing touchdowns and 6 touchdowns via the ground. They have given the ball to the opposition 6 times. Michigan has accounted for 74 first downs offensively, and they have been flagged for 32 penalties for 289 yds. As a team they're holding an average of 149.0 yards on the ground which is 89th in the nation. When it comes to scoring, the Michigan Wolverines have an average of 25.3 PPG.

The Wolverines rank 23rd in Division 1 in terms of their opponents scoring, allowing 14.8 points per game. They are allowing teams to run for an average of 2.6 yards per run and 86.8 yards on the ground per contest so far this year. In total, they have allowed 347 running yards through 4 outings. Concerning passing yards, the Wolverines have given up 598 yds which has them ranked 16th in Division 1. They are conceding 149.5 yards per game through the air and allowed a completion percentage of 60.8%. For the year, they are surrendering 236.3 yards/contest which ranks them 7th in the nation. They have granted 5 touchdowns via the pass in addition to 0 touchdown pounding the rock.

Get all of our College Football Picks

The Golden Gophers come into this matchup with a record of 3-1 this season. The last time they took the gridiron, the Golden Gophers walked away with a victory by a final of 27-24 when they faced the Washington Huskies. Minnesota rushed for 3.8 yards per carry, finishing with a total of 125 yds on 33 carries. The Golden Gophers finished the game with a total of 329 yds while running 62 plays (5.3 yds per play). The Golden Gophers secondary conceded a completion rate of 64.3%, relinquishing 239 yds on 18 out of 28 through the air. Minnesota relinquished 27 run attempts for 40 yards (1.5 yards per carry).

The Minnesota Golden Gophers hold an average of 377.8 yards per contest, ranking them 84th in D-1. The Minnesota offense has compiled 240 penalty yards on 26 violations, which is 70th in college football in terms of giving up free yards. They hold an average of 119.0 yards per game via the rush and have toted the ball for 476 yards for the season. They have thrown 2 picks while letting opponents recover 1 fumble and they have recorded 80 1st downs. In relation to how much they score, the Golden Gophers are sitting 46th in the nation holding an average of 35.0 points per outing. During this campaign to this point, the Golden Gophers have compiled 1,035 yards via the pass in addition to an average of 258.8 passing yards per outing, which has them ranked 46th in D-1.

The Golden Gophers are giving up 19.0 PPG, ranking them 42nd in the nation. Minnesota has allowed a total of 391 rushing yards (97.8 yards per game) in addition to 4 touchdowns by way of the ground game so far this year. They have surrendered 6 touchdowns via the pass as well as 174.5 yards/game, which has them in 34th in college football. The Golden Gophers defense has taken the field for 226 plays, which ranks 20th in college football. Their defense has 3 fumbles recovered and 2 picks on the season. Over the course of the season, they have allowed 76 points.

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

Josh's Pick: Take the Wolverines -4.5

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Get college football picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bets by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.