The Ohio State Buckeyes, currently ranked #1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, are set to host the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Week 6 of the 2025 Regular Season. Ohio State is undefeated at 4-0, with a 3-0 record at home. The Buckeyes are coming off a 24-6 victory against the Washington Huskies, and the game will take place at Ohio Stadium at 7:30 PM. The Minnesota Golden Gophers hold a 3-1 record this season, with all three wins occurring at home. Despite their strong home performances, the Gophers faced a defeat in their only road game against the California Golden Bears. Minnesota’s latest victory was a narrow 31-28 win over Rutgers. Betting odds heavily favor Ohio State, with a moneyline of -2837 compared to Minnesota’s +1248. The spread is set at 24.0 points in favor of the Buckeyes. The over/under for the game is 44.5, indicating expectations for a defensive battle under the lights on NBC.
Ohio State vs Minnesota At a Glance
- Game Week: Week 6 of the 2025 Regular Season
- Teams: Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Ohio State Buckeyes
- Venue: Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OH
- Game Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM
- Broadcast: NBC
- Odds: Ohio State favored by 24 points
Ohio State Buckeyes: Preparing for Another Dominant Season
Offensive Performance
The Ohio State Buckeyes have demonstrated a commendable offensive performance this season, with 145 points scored, placing them at 39th in the rankings. Their passing game has accumulated 1,058 yards, ranking 61st, while their rushing game is not far behind with 738 yards, placing them 66th. These figures suggest a balanced offensive strategy capable of adapting to various game situations.
First downs have been a strength for Ohio State, with 94 achieved so far, ranking 34th overall. This indicates their ability to sustain drives and maintain possession effectively, crucial for controlling the game’s pace. The Buckeyes’ offensive versatility will be key as they progress through the season.
Defensive Strengths
Defensively, Ohio State has been impressive, allowing only 22 points, which ranks them 4th. Their ability to pressure the quarterback is evident, with 13 sacks ranking 8th, showcasing their defensive line’s effectiveness. Additionally, with 2 interceptions and 2 fumbles recovered, the Buckeyes demonstrate an opportunistic defense.
Their defensive unit’s ability to create turnovers and pressure opposing quarterbacks will be crucial as they face tougher opponents. Maintaining this level of defensive intensity can be a game-changer in closely contested games.
Recent Game Highlights
In their recent game against Washington, Ohio State secured a 24-6 victory, showcasing their defensive prowess by limiting Washington to just 6 points. The Buckeyes’ defense played a pivotal role, allowing only 61 rushing yards and 173 passing yards, highlighting their ability to stifle opponents.
Earlier in the season, Ohio State’s offensive capabilities were on full display with a commanding 70-0 win over Grambling State. The Buckeyes racked up 377 passing yards and 274 rushing yards, underlining their offensive depth and ability to dominate weaker teams.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Ohio State faces the Minnesota Golden Gophers at home, where they will aim to continue their dominant form. Playing at Ohio Stadium gives them a significant advantage, as evidenced by their strong home record over the past few seasons.
The Buckeyes’ consistent performance at home, combined with their potent offense and robust defense, positions them well for success against Minnesota. Maintaining focus and executing their game plan will be critical to extending their winning streak.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: 28-2 (93.3%) over the last 30 games (2021–2025)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: 25-2 (92.6%) over the last 27 games (2022–2025)
- SU – As Favorite: 24-2 (92.3%) over the last 26 games (2023–2025)
- SU – All Games: 25-3 (89.3%) over the last 28 games (2023–2025)
- SU – After Win: 26-4 (86.7%) over the last 30 games (2022–2025)
- SU – Away Games: 19-3 (86.4%) over the last 22 games (2020–2025)
- SU – After Loss: 6-0 (100.0%) over the last 6 games (2021–2025)
- ATS – Totals ≥ 50: 4-0 (100.0%) over the last 4 games (2024–2025)
- ATS – Home Games: 19-11 (63.3%) over the last 30 games (2021–2025)
- O/U – Totals ≥ 50: 16-9 (64.0%) over the last 25 games (2022–2025)
Minnesota Golden Gophers Gear Up for Ohio State Challenge
Overview of Minnesota’s Current Season
The Minnesota Golden Gophers have had an interesting start to their 2025 season. With a record of 3-1, they recently secured a narrow 31-28 victory against Rutgers. They currently stand as 24-point underdogs in their upcoming away game against Ohio State.
Offensively, Minnesota has scored 134 points, ranking them 48th in the nation. Their passing game has been more effective than their ground game, with 1,045 passing yards ranking them 66th compared to 579 rushing yards ranking 95th. First downs have been a strong suit for the team, ranking 37th overall with 91 achieved so far this season.
Defensive Strengths and Challenges
Defensively, Minnesota has allowed 65 points, placing them 36th in the nation for points against. Their ability to apply pressure is demonstrated by their 14 sacks, which ranks them 7th. The defense has also been successful in creating turnovers, with three interceptions and three fumbles recovered, both ranking 4th nationally.
Their recent games reflect a mixed defensive performance, with a particularly dominant display against Northwestern State where they allowed zero points. However, they showed vulnerability against California and Rutgers, conceding 27 and 28 points, respectively.
Key Players to Watch
Drake Lindsey leads the charge at quarterback, with 958 passing yards and seven touchdowns in four games. His performance has been crucial in the Gophers’ offensive efforts this season. Wide receiver Javon Tracy has also been a key contributor, with 204 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
On the ground, Fame Ijeboi has rushed for 173 yards over three games. His contribution will be vital if the Gophers aim to establish a balanced offensive attack against Ohio State.
Injury Concerns
The Gophers are dealing with several injuries, notably with Mo Omonode and A.J. Turner out for the season. Darius Taylor, who is dealing with a leg injury, remains questionable for the upcoming game. These injuries might impact their depth and performance on both sides of the ball.
Upcoming Game and Betting Outlook
Minnesota’s next game against Ohio State will be a significant test. As a 24-point underdog, the Gophers will need to rely on their strengths and capitalize on any weaknesses the Buckeyes might show. The game total is set at 44.5, which suggests a lower-scoring affair.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: Last 29 Games (2021–2025) → 21-8 (72.4%)
- O/U – All Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- O/U – As Favorite: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – As Underdog: Last 3 Games (2024) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – Home Games: Last 3 Games (2025) → 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU – After Win: Last 28 Games (2021–2025) → 19-9 (67.9%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
- O/U – After Loss: Last 23 Games (2020–2025) → 15-8 (65.2%)
- SU – All Games: Last 11 Games (2024–2025) → 8-3 (72.7%)
- O/U – Home Games: Last 5 Games (2024–2025) → 4-1 (80.0%)
- ATS – All Games: Last 15 Games (2024–2025) → 10-5 (66.7%)
- ATS – Totals ≤ 42: Last 12 Games (2022–2025) → 8-4 (66.7%)
- ATS – Home Games: Last 28 Games (2021–2025) → 16-12 (57.1%)
- ATS – Away Games: Last 24 Games (2020–2025) → 14-10 (58.3%)
- O/U – As Underdog: Last 4 Games (2024) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- O/U – After Win: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 4 Games (2024–2025) → 3-1 (75.0%)
- ATS – As Favorite: Last 29 Games (2021–2025) → 16-13 (55.2%)
- SU – Totals ≥ 50: Last 15 Games (2020–2025) → 9-6 (60.0%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 19 Games (2021–2025) → 11-8 (57.9%)
Ohio State vs Minnesota Prediction: Ohio State -24.0
Ohio State is entering this game as a strong favorite, currently ranked #1 in both the AP and Coaches Polls. They have been dominant at home with a 3-0 record this season and boast a formidable 28-2 record in their last 30 home games. The Buckeyes also have a solid track record against the spread (ATS) at home, covering 63.3% of the time in the past 30 games.
The Buckeyes’ defense has been particularly impressive, allowing only 22 points across their first four games, ranking 4th nationally. Given Minnesota’s struggles on the road, evidenced by their 0-1 road record and reliance on a passing game that ranks 66th nationally, the Gophers may find it difficult to penetrate Ohio State’s robust defense. Ohio State’s diverse offensive capabilities, highlighted by their 66th ranked rushing game, further support their ability to win by a significant margin.
Minnesota’s defense has shown strength with 14 sacks, ranking 7th nationally, yet they face an Ohio State team that has consistently outperformed their opponents offensively. Despite their 3-1 season record, Minnesota’s lone road game was a loss, suggesting vulnerabilities that Ohio State can exploit at home. This sets the stage for Ohio State to cover the -24.0 spread, as they have been efficient in capitalizing on their home-field advantage.
Based on these factors, Ohio State is the favored pick to cover the -24.0 spread, projecting a decisive victory. The Buckeyes’ comprehensive stats on both sides of the ball indicate they will dominate this game at Ohio Stadium, achieving a projected score of 38-10 against the Golden Gophers.
- Ohio State vs Minnesota Prediction: Ohio State -24.0
- Ohio State vs Minnesota Score: Ohio State 38 – Minnesota 10
