Minnesota vs Northwestern Picks and Prediction for Saturday, November 22, 2025

By: Jake Allman Updated 11/22/2025, 01:36 AM ET

Minnesota and Northwestern meet at Wrigley Field. Minnesota sits at 6-4 while Northwestern is 5-5 and coming off a close 24-22 loss to Michigan. The Wildcats hold the advantage in ESPN’s matchup predictor, and this venue usually produces slower, physical football that leans on rushing success and special teams. That lines up perfectly with how these two operate. From underdogs to point spreads, we’ve got your back with free college football picks.

Minnesota Preview

Minnesota enters after a rough 42-13 loss at Oregon that exposed some of the issues that show up on the road. Drake Lindsey has thrown for 1,881 yards with 11 touchdowns and 6 interceptions while completing just under 62 percent of his passes. The sack total is high with 16, and the yards per attempt at 6.1 reflect a passing offense that rarely hits explosive plays. The run game has been inconsistent, but has a lead back in Darius Taylor, who has rushed for 411 yards at 4.6 per carry. Minnesota has 1,050 rushing yards total on the season and 12 scores on the ground.

Minnesota’s front seven has some real pop, anchored by Devon Williams’ 73 tackles and Anthony Smith’s 9.5 sacks. The Gophers have racked up 33 sacks overall, which is the one defensive trait that can flip this game. The problem is that recent performances away from home tell a different story. Oregon dropped 42 and Iowa put up 41, both fueled by explosive gains and breakdowns in coverage. When Minnesota wins, the defense tightens, as seen in the 24-6 win over Nebraska and the 27-20 result against Purdue. The question is which version shows up. Check out all the sportsbook promos to see if you are getting a great deal on your bets on Minnesota.

Northwestern Preview

Northwestern has more balance and a stronger run game, which matters at Wrigley. Preston Stone has thrown for 1,706 yards with 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions and sits at 6.2 yards per attempt, but the offense really hits its stride when Caleb Komolafe gets rolling. Komolafe enters with 757 rushing yards at 4.9 per carry and 9 touchdowns, powering a ground attack that has 1,694 yards and 13 scores. Griffin Wilde gives Stone a dependable top target with 644 yards and 5 touchdowns. On special teams, Northwestern has a clear edge, with Jack Olsen hitting 14 of 16 field goals.

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Northwestern’s defense has been steadier than Minnesota’s on the road. Robert Fitzgerald leads with 92 tackles, and linebacker Mac Uihlein adds 79 tackles and 4 interceptions, giving the Wildcats a disruptive presence in coverage. The group has produced 16 sacks and 8 interceptions, and several of the wins have come by controlling tempo and tackling well in space. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for Northwestern with the Kickr promo code.

Northwestern vs Minnesota Prediction

Northwestern moneyline, with a strong lean to the under in a field-position game. Northwestern 23, Minnesota 20. Make sure when you place your bet on Minnesota vs Northwestern you are using the BetMGM bonus code.