This time of year is the best and worst time to be a Minnesota football fan. It sucks that we have to wait a couple more weeks for games. On the bright side, there’s nothing to be disappointed about (yet). One of my favorite preseason activities is looking at all the betting options for futures. Here’s a look at the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ bets for the 2023 season. Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.
Win Total: 7.5 (Over +122)
The Gophers have finished each of the last two seasons with an 8-4 record. The schedule is a little tougher but even then there’s still reason to confide in PJ to secure 8 wins for the maroon and gold. I locked the over in early on this one at +134, but you can still get it as of August 10th at +122.
West Division Winner +470
Odds for this bet are usually inflated for Minnesota. Historically, Iowa and Wisconsin have represented the West in the Big Ten championship more often than not. The Hawkeyes and Badgers have combined to win the West in 6 of the last 9 seasons. With that said, the gap isn’t as large as it may seem. Minnesota has shown they can play with both, so it isn’t too far-fetched to think the Gophers could end up in Indy. This is also likely the last year of the wild, wild West division so it’s now or never for Minnesota!
Big Ten Champ Game Winner +3400
Alright, let’s crank things up a bit and start drinking that maroon & gold Kool-Aid. If you are considering these next few bets, you have a dangerous level of confidence in the Gophers. Next up, we have the Gophers winning the Big Ten championship. The Gophers will get an idea of their likely adversary from the East during the regular season with scheduled matchups against both Michigan and Ohio State.
To Make the College Football Playoff +8000
For Gopher fans, counting the years since their last Rose Bowl, this is what it’s going to take to get there. The 2024 Rose Bowl is one of the College Football Playoff Semifinals. Maybe put $100 down and consider it a down payment on a ticket package to celebrate New Year’s in Pasadena. This would mean the Gophers split with Michigan and Ohio State in the regular season. Then, they avenge their loan loss in the Big Ten title game to reach the CFP. Don’t hold your breath.
Minnesota to go Undefeated +8500
I mean if you’ve made it this far, why not take a shot? As previously mentioned, the Gophers have matchups against BOTH Michigan and Ohio State. But, let’s play devil’s advocate for a second. Has Minnesota beaten a top 5 team at home under PJ Fleck before? Check. Who’s to say Kyle McCord completely lives up to the hype of taking over for CJ Stroud?
Heisman Winner
- Sean Tyler +40000
- Athan Kaliakmanis +40000
There are only two Gophers listed on the FanDuel sportsbook to win the 2023 Heisman. The University of Minnesota has only had one previous Heisman winner in Bruce Smith. Both Gophers listed are currently shown at a whopping +40000 (400/1). Sean Tyler recently transferred to Minnesota from Western Michigan. He’s coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Broncos. Let’s see what he can do behind a Big Ten offensive line. A $10 bet would net you $4,000 if Tyler hoists the Heisman. The other Gopher listed is none other than starting Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis. These are long shots but, again if you’ve made it this far… why not take a shot??
Final Thoughts
The Golden Gophers have a tough schedule in 2023. But, they have a lot of potential with a new Quarterback and a solid group of wide receivers paired with a defense that should be able to keep most games close… what’s not to love?
Parlay engineer with Twitter fingers.