Action PRO money insights offer a sneaky way to pick one of Thursday's biggest mismatches — but not the spread!
The Eastern Illinois Panthers take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis on Thursday, Sept. 3. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET on Peacock/NBCSN.
It's one of the many FBS vs. FCS games in Week 1 expected to be a blowout.
Minnesota is favored by 42.5 points on the spread. The total is set at 51.5 points.
And speaking of the over/under, that's precisely my Eastern Illinois vs. Minnesota prediction and college football pick for Thursday, September 3.
Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota Odds, Spread, Line
| E. Illinois Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+42.5 -112 | 52.5 -110o / -110u | +8000 |
| Minnesota Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-42.5 -108 | 52.5 -110o / -110u | |
- Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota point spread: Minnesota -42.5 (-112), Eastern Illinois +42.5 (-1o8)
- Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota over/under: 52.5 (-110o / -110u)..
Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota Predictions, Picks
Eastern Illinois Preview
EIU picked up a win in its season opener against Murray State, 28-14.
The Panthers went 3-9 last season behind an offense that mustered only 17.5 points per game. Overall, EIU was outscored by double digits on average.
There should be at least a little more consistency this season with quarterback Cole LaCrue and running back Charles Kellom, both of whom contributed heavily in 2025.
EIU ran the ball a whopping 47 times against the Racers, compared to just 18 attempts through the air. The Panthers defense was active, collecting two interceptions off Murray State's Collin Shannon.
The last time Eastern Illinois played a Power 4 club was last season against Alabama, a 56-0 loss.
Minnesota Preview
If you don't know Drake Lindsey and Darius Taylor yet, you soon will.
The QB-RB tandem forms one of the best in the conference and they should be heavily involved in Thursday's box score.
As a freshman last season, Lindsey led the team to an eight-win campaign alongside some solid numbers: 18 touchdowns to six interceptions and an excellent passer rating.
At 6-5 and 230 pounds, it's a big year for Lindsey to put together more impressive film for scouts.
Luckily, he'll have a lot of help with Taylor as the main running back.
He's one of the best in the country when healthy, and will be running behind an offensive line that should be much improved this season. Overall, they're top 10 in returning production on both sides of the ball.
Eastern Illinois vs Minnesota Best Bet
- Eastern Illinois vs. Minnesota Pick:
