When PJ Fleck arrived at Minnesota, there was a split between fans and gamblers. The Golden Gophers hired one of the most polarizing coaches in college football. On the one hand, he led Western Michigan its greatest College Football betting season in history. The Broncos wound up in the Cotton Bowl to end an impossible dream season. On the other hand, Fleck drives people insane with his gimmicks and slogans. His “Row the Boat” mantra continues to be scoffed at. Yet, Fleck wins and has improved the program at the end of the day.
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. West Virginia Mountaineers
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, December 28, 2021, 10:15 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Chase Field, Phoenix, Arizona |
| West Virginia vs. Minnesota TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | +4½ (-110) | 45 (-110) | +165 |  |
| Minnesota U | -4½ (-110) | 45 (-110) | -190 | |
| ||||
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl SBG Odds Overview
Last year the Guaranteed Rate Bowl was canceled due to the pandemic. For the first ten years, this bowl was played on the campus of the University of Arizona. Subsequently, in 2000, organizers moved the game to Bank One Ballpark in downtown Phoenix. Six years later, the bowl was moved once more to Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Cause by the need to replace the Fiesta Bowl.
At the onset through 2005, the game featured teams mostly from the Western Athletic Conference, Pac-10, and Big 12. And then matchups of programs from the Big 12 and Big Ten ran from 2006 through the 2013 season. An agreement between the Pac-12 and Big 12 became effective for this bowl in the 2014 season.
Of course, Texas Tech authored the biggest sportsbook comeback in a bowl game in 2006. The Red Raiders rallied from a 38-7 second-half deficit to defeat Minnesota in overtime. That record has since been tied.
Accordingly, Kansas State became the first program to make four Guaranteed Rate Bowl appearances and win three games when it defeated UCLA, 35-17 in 2017. Also, the Wildcats had payouts over Michigan in 2013 and Wyoming in 1993. K-State’s only loss in this bowl occurred in 2001 to Syracuse. Minnesota has made three appearances in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl. So far, the Golden Gophers have yet to win a game.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Overview
Last game, Minnesota beat Wisconsin 23-13 as 7-point home dogs in their regular-season finale. Also, the rivalry matchup went under the total of 39. Minnesota is 8-4 straight up, 7-4-1 against the spread, and 6-6 over/under. NCAAF metrics show the Golden Gophers 97th for total offense and 85th for scoring offense. Defensively, CFB metrics show Minnesota 4th in the nation and 9th for points allowed.
West Virginia Mountaineers Team Overview
In their final regular-season game, West Virginia beat Kansas 34-28 as 15.5-point road chalk. Also, the game went over the total of 55. Now West Virginia is 6-6 straight up, 6-6 against the spread, and 5-7 over/under. WVU has CFB ranks of 78th for total offense and 78th for scoring offense. The Mounties have NCAAF metrics of 40th overall and 50th for points allowed on defense.
2021 Guaranteed Rate Bowl SBG Free Picks
On the whole, Minnesota has a clear defensive College Football betting advantage for this game. West Virginia is mediocre and not as good as last year. Most important of all, PJ Fleck has the Golden Gophers on the ascendency.
Guaranteed Rate Bowl SBG Best Bet: Minnesota Golden Gophers.