Michigan State vs. Minnesota: 5 Over/Under Predictions

Don't look now, but there is a small rivalry brewing between these two schools. 

I know I know, Minnesota is a dismal 1-8 this year, and 0-5 in the Big 10. But what recent history tells us is that Minnesota always plays well against Michigan State.

Sparty has not defeated the Golden Gophers since 2004, and has lost six of the last eight. Including a 42-34 loss in Minneapolis last season. But Michigan State does lead the overall series 25-17. 

So based on history like I said, Minnesota has been making a comeback in an effort to make this a competitive series. 

Therefore Spartans fans, don't get all cocky about this week, because the Gophers will come prepared. Question is, can Coach Dantonio's squad bounce back?

In order to assist you in making a bold prediction for the outcome of this game, here are my five over/unders for Saturday in East Lansing. 

1. Minnesota QB Adam Weber: Over/Under 220 Yards Passing

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Adam Weber #8 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers passes during the game against the USC Trojans on September 18, 2010 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Through nine games in his 2010 season, Minnesota QB Adam Weber has compiled 2,123 yards passing. Therefore, averaging only 235 per game. 

The Spartan D allows an average of 210 yards passing per game, which totals to 1,898 for the season.

However, don't think for a second that the Golden Gophers are just going to lay low. Remember Michigan State vs Minnesota in 2009 Spartan fans (Of course you don't, who would want to)?

Weber compiled 416 passing yards and five TD's en route to a Gopher W.

And with that being said, you can see that Mr. Weber is very capable of throwing frozen ropes all over Michigan State. 

But, I suspect the Spartan D will come licking their chops to avenge the abysmal performance from last season.

PREDICTION: Under 220 Yards Passing 

2. Spartan D-Line: Over/Under 1.5 Sacks

Leon Halip/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 09: Jerel Worthy #99 of the Michigan State Spartans hits Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines during the game on October 9, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

18 sacks through nine games for the Michigan State defense. I couldn't have asked for a more convenient stat for an over/under segment, could I?

Also in their favor is the Minnesota ground attack averaging 132 yards per game. Good enough to be ranked in the Top 90. Technically 87th, but you get the idea.

Only managing 18 sacks through nine games usually means one of two things:

1. Opposing QB's are releasing the ball in no longer than two seconds (think WR slants and quick-screens)

2. The D-Line is just simply not getting the job done.

With all this being said, I suspect the D-Line coming in ready to eat the run game out, and force the Gophers to become one-dimensional. And if that happens, my next over/under prediction will most likely occur. 

PREDICTION: Over 1.5 Sacks

3. Spartan Secondary: Over/Under 1.5 Interceptions

David Purdy/Getty Images

IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 30: Tight end Allen Reisner #82 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes runs the ball as corner back Johnny Adams #5 of the Michigan State Spartans defends during the first half of play at Kinnick Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Iowa Cit

As a unit, Michigan State's defense has accumulated 13 picks through nine games. In doing so ranks them ninth in the country with the likes of Nebraska and Iowa.

The strength of the Golden Gophers is their aerial assault, but in order to exploit it, the previous over/under must take affect.

Adam Weber is averaging 31 attempts per game, and with their rushing attack, he may have a lot more this Saturday. 

Forcing the Gophers down early will be key, and in doing do will make them become one-dimensional. 

PREDICTION: Over 1.5 Interceptions

4. Minnesota WR Da'Jon McKnight: Over/Under 4.5 Receptions

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Jon McKnight #6 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the game against the USC Trojans on September 18, 2010 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie

If there is one match-up that the Gophers should try to exploit, regardless of the run game's success, will be in the passing game. 

WR's Da'Jon McKnight, MarQueis Gray, and Eric Lair have a combined 1,501 yards receiving.

In comparison to the rest of their receiving core, that total is responsible for 70% of Minnesota's passing game.

Chances are the Spartans will be able to slow down at least one if not two of these guys, but not all three. They are just too valuable and skilled to shut down simultaneously. 

Therefore, I see them eyeing McKnight more because of his nose for the endzone, as well as his team leading 37 receptions and 578 yards receiving.

PREDICTION: Under 4.5 Receptions

5. Michigan State Ground Attack: Over/Under 190 Yards

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Edwin Baker #4 of the Michigan State Spartans is tackled by Nate Williams #44 and Vince Browne #94 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27.

Heading into this weeks game, the Minnesota D allows just over 200 yards rushing per game. 

Counterintuitive to that would be the Spartan ground game averaging 175 yards per contest.

Also between the demolition derby duo of Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell, an average of over six yards per carry is still prevalent.

As balanced as Michigan State has been on offense thus far, using some devious tactics could end this game before the first-quarter concludes. 

They can run the rock well, therefore, air it out and put the Gophers away early. Using play-action and rollouts will draw up the secondary; Misdirection as opposed to trickery.

Then put the stake in the vampire's heart by driving the rock through to daylight.

PREDICTION: Over 190 Yards Rushing