Minnesota Vs. Michigan State 2011 Odds: Golden Gophers Must Overcome Large Spread

Minnesota's stunning victory over Iowa at home last week has not given them much respect by the Vegas oddsmakers. SB Nation's official Odds partner Oddsshark has the Golden Gophers as a strong underdog this week as Minnesota heads to East Lansing to take on Legends Division-leading Michigan State. The Spartans are trying to recover from a loss at Nebraska in which they managed only a field goal, but that is still not enough to bring down a 27.5 point spread for Minnesota:

The Golden Gophers will try to spoil to the party on Saturday; they are 3-5 ATS against the number this season, while the Spartans are 5-3 ATS. Minnesota is 4-4 on the totals; Michigan State is 2-5.

Minnesota's renewed offense did just enough to earn the come from behind win over Iowa, but Michigan State features one of the Big Ten's better defenses. the loss of kick returner Marcus Jones for the season will also be a heavy blow for the Golden Gophers.