Minnesota vs California Prediction 9/13/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a Minnesota vs California prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 13th at California Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 3 matchup. 

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 2-0 this season after they defeated Northwestern State by a score of 66-0 last week. Minnesota led 35-0 after the first quarter and 59-0 at halftime. The Gophers scored again in the third, but the game was called due to weather before it could get any worse. Minnesota out gained Northwestern State by a total of 484-42, went 2-6 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 4-1. Drake Lindsey went 8-9 for 139 yards and one touchdown, while Grant Washington carried the ball 20 times for 126 yards in the win. Kenric Lanier II caught two passes for 59 yards, while Cam Davis caught three passes for 40 yards. 

Minnesota started the season with a 23-10 win over Buffalo in week one. The Golden Gophers are averaging 47.5 points per game with 258.0 passing yards and 205.5 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 5.0 points against per game this year. Drake Lindsey has completed 61.4% of his passes for 429 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Darius Taylor has rushed for 161 yards this season. Javon Tracy has led the Minnesota receivers with four catches for 116 yards and one score. 

California Golden Bears Betting Preview

The California Golden Bears are 2-0 this year after they defeated Texas Southern by a score of 35-3 last week. California led 3-0 after the first quarter and they extended that to 11-0 at halftime. The Golden Bears led 25-0 after the third quarter and cruised to the win in the fourth. California out gained Texas Southern by a total of 467-192, went 6-12 on third down conversions, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-1. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele went 26-37 for 259 yards and one interception, while Mark Hamper caught five passes for 69 yards in the game. Kendrick Raphael carried the ball 18 times for 131 yards and one touchdown in the game. 

The Golden Bears started the season with a 34-15 win over Oregon State in week one. California is averaging 34.5 points per game with 260 passing yards and 151.5 rushing yards per game, while they are allowing 9.0 points against per game this season. Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has completed 68.7% of his passes for 493 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception, while Kendrick Raphael has rushed for 168 yards and one score this year. Trond Grizzell has caught seven passes for 115 yards and one touchdown to lead the Cal receivers. 

Why Minnesota will beat California

Minnesota has won each of its last six games against teams from California.
California has lost 20 of its last 22 games as an underdog.
Minnesota has covered the spread in each of its last four September games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
California has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games.

Total Points Facts

Seven of California’s last eight games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Five of Minnesota’s last six September games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

California ranks T6th among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (1.5).
California ranks 14th among FBS teams for rushing yards allowed per game this season (58.5).
Minnesota ranks 1st among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (96.5).
Minnesota ranks 1st among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (65.0).

David Racey is 20-15 (57%) in College Football this season. Click here for his premium plays for this week!

Minnesota vs California Prediction 

Minnesota struggled to create separation against Buffalo in their first game of the season, but they overpowered a bad Northwestern State team in game two. The Golden Gophers will now travel across the country and we will learn a lot about them in this one. California has also beaten up on two bad teams to start the year, but I am worried about how they will handle Minnesota’s physicality. The Gophers should control the line of scrimmage and I think Darius Taylor will have a huge day on the ground. I am a little worried about the Minnesota passing attack, but I will back the Gophers to get the win here.