Northern Illinois at Minnesota

The Golden Gophers were snake-bit last season, avoiding an 0-12 season with a thrilling triple-OT game vs Miami Ohio. They lost five games by 6 points or less, and had a -15 turnover margin. This year's version has a lot of experience, a returning QB, and 15 starters coming back in all. They should be a vastly improved team on both sides of the ball. Northern Illinois didn't fare much better in '07, finishing with a pair of 7 point wins, to show for a dismal 2-10 season. This season they go from three senior starters a year ago to 21 returning starters and 20 seniors. They return all 11 starters on defense, and with a more experienced, veteran offense this team will be much improved. The biggest improvement will be on the defensive end. Over the past couple of seasons, this team is 11-2 UNDER as an underdog and we will call for this one to go UNDER the total as well.