Minnesota vs Virginia Tech Bowl Prediction | College Football Best Bets

On Friday night, the Minnesota Golden Gophers will face the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. Minnesota can clinch its eighth win of the season and head into the offseason with momentum for 2025. Meanwhile, at 6-6, Virginia Tech is looking to grab its seventh win of the season and end the year with a record over .500.

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Minnesota vs Virginia Tech

• Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina) | Duke’s Mayo Bowl
• Time: Friday, January 3, 7:30 p.m. ET | Where to Watch: ESPN
• Spread: Minnesota -8.5, Moneyline: Minnesota -365, Total: 42.5

Duke’s Mayo Bowl Opt-Outs

Minnesota Golden Gophers:

Tyler Stolsky, LB (transfer portal); Jordan Nubin, RB (transfer portal); Sieh Bangura, RB (transfer portal); Hayden Schwartz, DL (transfer portal); Luther McCoy, DL (transfer portal); Craig McDonald, S (transfer portal); Phillip Daniels, RT (transfer portal); Justin Walley, CB (NFL Draft); Aireontae Ersery, OT (transfer portal)

Virginia Tech Hokies:

Xavier Chaplin, LT (transfer portal); Braelin Moore, C (transfer portal); Mansoor Delane, CB (transfer portal); Mose Phillips, S (transfer portal); Sam Brumfield, LB (transfer portal); Keli Lawson, LB (transfer portal); Malachi Thomas, RB (transfer portal); C.J. McCray, DE (transfer portal); Jalen Stroman, S (transfer portal); Antwaun Powell-Ryland, DE (Opt-Out); Aeneas Peebles, DT (Opt-Out); Da’Quan Felton, WR (Opt-Out); Jaylin Lane, WR (Opt-Out); Dorian Strong, CB (Opt-Out); Kyron Drones, QB (injury)

Minnesota vs Virginia Tech Best Bet: Minnesota -8.5

The Golden Gophers enter this matchup as the betting favorites, and understandably so. Not only has Minnesota put together a solid season under head coach P.J. Fleck, but the team has won their previous five bowl games under the coach. The Golden Gophers were three close games away from a 10-win season, and it’s hard to overlook how competitive they’ve been this season, regardless of the competition. In a matchup where the Hokies may be outmatched, Minnesota should win this game by 9+ points.

Minnesota vs Virginia Tech Best Total Bet: Over 42.5

Minnesota heads into this battle averaging 26.2 points per game, trailing Virginia Tech, who averaged 29.7 points per contest. With both sides entering this matchup with most of their teams intact, this game could come down to who’s more aggressive on offense. Regardless, seeing this game turn into a high-scoring spout between two desperate teams looking to secure the win wouldn’t be a shock. A final score of 27-23 seems realistic.

Minnesota Best Player Bet: Darius Taylor 2+ Touchdowns +162

Darius Taylor has been one of Minnesota’s most reliable players on offense this season. The sophomore running back has racked up 873 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the season and could be in line to add to totals against a Virginia Tech defense that has struggled to slow down the run at times. With the Golden Gophers entering this game with a winning mindset, they could rely on their playmaker in the backfield.

Virginia Tech Best Player Bet: William Watson III Any Time Touchdown +210

William Watson III steps into the starting lineup with Kyron Drones battling an injury. The dual-threat quarterback has played limited snaps this season but has shown flashes of his playmaking ability in the small sample size. With 400 passing yards, one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown, and an interception on the season, he has the tools to be exciting in the Hokies offense. If Virginia Tech opts to see what they have in the freshman, they could get aggressive and take advantage of Minnesota’s lack of film on the quarterback.

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