#321/322 ASA PLAY ON 8* Over 53.5 Points – Miami OH @ Minnesota, Saturday at 12 PM ET - We have a hard time seeing this game staying Under the Total, and in fact, will predict it’s Over the number early in the 4th quarter. Miami just faced a very good Cincinnati team and were steamrolled 49-14. The Bearcats ran for 8.0 yards per carry and 247 rushing yards in the game and put up nearly 550 total yards against the Redhawks. Minnesota has that same capability with their offense that just put up 408 total yards against a much better Buckeye defense, 203 of which came on the ground. The Gophers converted 8 of fourteen 3rd downs and dominated the ball for over 38 minutes. Miami was better offensively than the 14-points that showed up on the scoreboard last week in their opener. They held the ball for 34 minutes, put up 275 total yards of offense and had 4 possessions inside Cincinnati’s territory end without points. Two of those scoreless drives ended inside UC’s 20-yards line. They fared well against a Bearcat defense that allowed just 16PPG a year ago and 4.4 yards per play, which both ranked top 7 in the nation. Minnesota’s defense is expected to be improved this year, but they are nowhere near as good as UC’s. In their last seven games overall, five of the Gophers games have had posted Totals of 60 plus points by the oddsmakers. Weather looks great with temps on the 80s and light winds on Saturday in Minneapolis. We look for the Gophers to push close to or into the 40’s here and Miami OH gets to at least 20. This number is a bargain and we expect an easy OVER.