In Week 2 of the 2025 college football season, the Northwestern State Demons are set to meet the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Scheduled for a 12:00 PM kickoff on Saturday, September 6, 2025, this game will be broadcast on BTN. The outdoor venue in Minneapolis sets the stage for what should be an exciting contest.
The Northwestern State Demons are looking to rebound from a challenging previous season, where they finished with a 0-2 record. Their last two encounters resulted in significant defeats, most notably an 87-10 loss to the South Alabama Jaguars. Without a conference affiliation, they aim to improve their performance and gain momentum this season.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Golden Gophers enter this game on the back of a strong start, having secured a 23-10 victory against the Buffalo Bulls in their opening game. As members of the Big Ten Conference, they enjoy the advantage of playing at home, where they have shown resilience. With a 1-0 record, they look to continue their positive form and build on their recent success in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Minnesota vs Northwestern State At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 12:00 PM
- Venue: Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN
- TV Channel: BTN
- Minnesota’s Current Season Record: 1-0
- Northwestern State’s Last Season Road Record: 0-2
- Point Spread: Minnesota -43.5, Northwestern State +43.5
Golden Opportunity: Minnesota Golden Gophers Prepare for Upcoming Game
Offensive Overview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have started the 2025 season strong on offense, scoring 23 points in their opening game, placing them 33rd in the nation. Their aerial attack has been effective, with 290 passing yards, ranking 32nd. However, they are looking to improve their ground game, which currently sits at 153 rushing yards, ranking 65th.
First downs have been a key component of their strategy, achieving 27 in their last game, which puts them 14th nationally. This consistent performance allows them to maintain offensive pressure. The Golden Gophers will need to sustain this momentum as the season progresses.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, Minnesota has been impressive, allowing only 10 points in their opening game, which places them 6th in the country. Their pass rush has also been effective, registering two sacks, contributing to their 6th-place ranking in this category.
One area to monitor is interceptions, as they have yet to record one this season. However, their ability to recover fumbles, ranking 3rd nationally, demonstrates their knack for creating turnover opportunities.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Drake Lindsey has been a standout performer, throwing for 290 yards and two touchdowns, placing him 24th in passing yards. His efficient play is vital to Minnesota’s offensive success.
On the ground, running back Darius Taylor led the team with 141 rushing yards, ranking 14th nationally. Wide receiver Jalen Smith has also been a key target, amassing 76 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Injury Concerns
The Golden Gophers have several players listed as questionable, including Jai’Onte’ McMillan and Darius Green, both dealing with undisclosed injuries. Mo Omonode and Drew Wilson are out for the season, which could impact their defensive depth.
The team will need to manage these injuries carefully to maintain their strong start. Their depth will be tested, and key backups may need to step up in the coming weeks.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Night Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS in Home Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U as Favorite: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U in Home Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Northwestern State Demons: A Look at Their Upcoming Challenge
Offensive Struggles
The Northwestern State Demons have been facing challenges offensively this season. Averaging 38 points per game, they find themselves ranked 113th in the nation. Their passing game has struggled as well, with only 283 passing yards per game, placing them at 141st.
The rushing attack hasn’t fared much better, with 197 rushing yards per game, positioning them at 146th. Their ability to move the chains has also been an issue, with just 20 first downs per game, ranking 109th.
Defensive Challenges
Defensively, the Demons have had a tough time containing their opponents. They have allowed 149 points, ranking 47th in the nation. While they have managed to recover a fumble, their lack of sacks and interceptions is concerning.
Notably, they have not recorded any sacks or interceptions this season, with their rankings being 46th and 1st, respectively. The Demons will need to tighten up their defense to be more competitive in their upcoming games.
Key Players
On the offensive front, Chance Newman has been leading the team as quarterback. While his overall passing yards are modest, he has yet to throw a touchdown, highlighting the struggles in their passing game.
Running back Kennieth Lacy has shown some promise with 86 rushing yards and a touchdown. On the receiving end, Myles Kitt-Denton stands out with 92 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Recent Game Performances
In their recent outing against South Alabama, the Demons suffered a heavy 87-10 defeat. Their offense managed only 171 passing yards and 66 rushing yards, indicating significant room for improvement.
Earlier, the Demons faced Tulsa, losing 62-28. They recorded 112 passing yards and 131 rushing yards in that game, highlighting the need for a more balanced and effective offensive strategy.
Upcoming Schedule
Looking ahead, the Demons have challenging away games against Minnesota and Cincinnati. They will need to elevate their game to compete effectively against these teams.
The upcoming matchups provide an opportunity for Northwestern State to address their weaknesses and build on their strengths.
Betting Trends
- Northwestern State has struggled to cover the spread in recent games.
- The Demons’ games have typically gone over the projected point totals.
- Betting against the Demons has been favorable in away games this season.
Minnesota vs Northwestern State Prediction: Minnesota -43.5
The Minnesota Golden Gophers enter this game with a solid start to their season, having secured a 1-0 record. Their impressive win over Virginia Tech in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl earlier this year also demonstrates their capability to dominate. With a strong defensive rank of 6th, allowing only 10 points against, Minnesota is well-positioned to cover the -43.5 spread.
Northwestern State Demons have struggled, shown by their 0-2 record last season on the road. Their defensive struggles, highlighted by allowing 149 points against, rank them 47th, indicating vulnerabilities that Minnesota can exploit. Given the Demons’ defensive gaps, the Gophers are likely to surpass the spread comfortably.
Minnesota’s offensive stats further bolster their case, with a notable 290 passing yards ranking 32nd, indicating a potent aerial attack. Coupled with a strong rushing yard performance ranking 65th, Minnesota’s balanced offense should efficiently capitalize on Northwestern State’s defensive shortcomings.
The projected final score aligns with Minnesota’s strengths and the Demons’ weaknesses, projecting a lopsided game in favor of the Golden Gophers. This reinforces the confidence in Minnesota covering the spread of -43.5.
- Minnesota vs Northwestern State Prediction: Minnesota -43.5
- Minnesota vs Northwestern State Score: Minnesota 55 – Northwestern State 7
