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Oregon State vs. Minnesota prediction and game preview for the opening contest of the 2016 season. Find out who’s projected to win the matchup between the Beavers and the Gophers.

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Oregon State vs. Minnesota Game Preview

Broadcast Info

Date: Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016

Kickoff: 9:00 p.m. ET

Venue: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN

Television Station: BTN

Oregon State vs. Minnesota Storylines

After Tracy Claeys was given the fulltime head gig, he brought in Jay Johnson from Louisiana-Lafayette to liven up the offense after the Gophers averaged just 22.5 points per game last season. Quarterback Mitch Leidner should be able to improve on his rushing numbers, but he must cut down on his turnovers. Defensively, can a few more playmakers emerge?

Meanwhile, Gary Andersen enters his second season in Corvallis still looking for his first Pac-12 victory. The two-win 2015 campaign was a disaster, and the hope is that the arrival of several JUCO transfers will help improve the overall talent level and depth. New coordinator Kevin Clune hopes to improve a porous defense, while Kevin McGiven arrives as co-offensive coordinator/QBs coach hoping to light a spark under the offense.

Here’s a look at some of the statistics as we head into the season opener.

Statistics reflect the 2015 college football season.

Oregon State Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 159.1 ypg
Rushing Offense: 177.3 ypg
Total Offense: 336.4 ypg
Scoring Offense: 19.0 ppg

Minnesota Offensive Stats

Passing Offense: 214.8 ypg
Rushing Offense: 144.1 ypg
Total Offense: 358.9 ypg
Scoring Offense: 22.5 ppg

Oregon State Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 254.6 ypg
Rushing Defense: 226.9 ypg
Total Defense: 481.5 ypg
Scoring Defense: 37.0 ppg
Turnover Margin: -.33

Minnesota Defensive Stats

Passing Defense: 179.5 ypg
Rushing Defense: 166.4 ypg
Total Defense: 345.9 ypg
Scoring Defense: 25.2 ppg
Turnover Margin: -.31

Oregon State vs. Minnesota Betting Odds

Spread: Minnesota -7.5
Over/Under: 57

Matchup to Watch

Leidner vs. the 3-4

Leidner should find plenty of room to run on traditional rushes and when plays break down against a 3-4 Beavers defense that new coordinator Clune hopes to improve.

Advantage on Offense

The Beavers finished last in the Pac-12 in scoring, total offense and passing efficiency last season.

Advantage: Minnesota

Advantage on Defense

The Beavers finished last in the conference in rushing defense and passing-efficiency defense last fall.

Advantage: Minnesota

Advantage on Special Teams

Neither team was very strong in special teams efficiency rankings last season.

Advantage: Even

Coaching Advantage

Gary Andersen has proven to be a solid head coach, so fans in Corvallis just have to be patient.

Advantage: Oregon State

Intangibles Advantage

The Gophers will have the home night crowd on their side.

Advantage: Minnesota

Oregon State vs. Minnesota Prediction

Claeys deserved to have the interim tag lifted and assume the head gig for the Gophers. This is a sneaky Minnesota team that could give some teams problems in the Big Ten West, and there are just too many holes for Oregon State to pull an upset.

Final Score Prediction For Oregon State vs. Minnesota: Minnesota 27, Oregon State 17

MORE: 2016 College Football Bowl Projections