Fales will pose a very big test for the Gophers secondary.
San Jose State (1-1 overall, 0-0 Mountain West) vs. Minnesota (3-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
Minneapolis, Minnesota – TCF Bank Stadium
Saturday 11:00 a.m. CT – ESPN 2
PREGAME NOTES
Series History
The Spartans are an even 1-1 in the all-time series with the Gophers. The last meeting between the two teams came in 1992 with San Jose State walking out of Minneapolis with a 39-30 victory.
Last Time Out
San Jose State was no match for No. 5 Stanford, losing to the Cardinal 34-13. Stanford scored points on its first three possessions while racking up 197 yards rushing. The Cardinal defense sacked SJSU quarterback David Fales four times and held the Spartans’ offense to just 35 yards rushing.
Bye Week Advantage
The Spartans will have plenty of time to prepare for the Gophers. San Jose State is coming off a bye week, last playing on September 7 against Stanford. The extra practice time could be the difference-maker for the visiting squad.
“Early in the season, it’s just like Western Illinois came out and in twins-open; they haven’t shown that all year,” said Jerry Kill. “You give a team two weeks to prepare they’re going to have some stuff you haven’t seen defensively or offensively. It definitely is an advantage for them.”
Coaching Preview
Ron Caragher is in his first season as head coach for the Spartans. Prior to arriving at San Jose State, Caragher lead the University of San Diego to a 44-22 record and three Pioneer Football League co-championships during his tenure. The former UCLA quarterback began his career as a graduate assistant before working as an assistant for the Bruins from 1996-2002.
Explosive Offense
The Spartans will bring a highly-talented group of skill players to Minneapolis this weekend. Led by quarterback David Fales, San Jose State has the potential to put points up early if the Gopher defense stumbles to start the game.
“They do a good job with they’re personnel groupings and they keep you off balance,” said Kill. “I’ve had several scouts come through and feel like [Fales] is a first-round draft choice and we’ve watched him all summer long. I just think he’s a great football player. He makes their team go. They’ve got great receivers that he has great chemistry with and it’s very concerning from a defensive standpoint on how to slow them down.”
Jerry Kill and the Gophers will look to control the ball, keeping it out of the hands of Fales and the Spartans.
“We’re going to certainly try and stay on the field as much as we can and I think that’s a key to the game is keeping that offense on the sideline,” said Kill. “[When] that quarterback’s on the field, it’s going to make us awfully nervous so the more that we can control the football and stay on the field as an offensive unit, the less time their offense is out there. I think that’s a real big key to the game. It’ll be a great matchup and I think both teams understand what they need to do.”
Matchup to Watch
With Fales leading a talented group of Spartan wide receivers, San Jose State’s passing game will certainly be a handful for Minnesota’s defensive backs. The Gophers’ secondary could face one of their biggest tests of the season this Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.
“I think we get it ratcheted up this weekend,” said Kill. “I think there’s no question we’ll find out where we’re at with San Jose State. As far as throwing the football and from and offensive side of the ball and the weapons they have, it’s very similar to what we faced against Syracuse a year ago. We’ll get a taste of where we’re at on Saturday. We’ll know before we get into the Big Ten, where we’re at with the secondary and where we’re at on the defensive side of the ball.”
Player to Watch
#31 Keith Smith – The 6-foot-1, 229-pound senior has been a focal point of the Spartans’ defense since his freshman season. The three-time All-WAC linebacker has played in 37 games over his career. He’s totaled over 300 career tackles including 14 games with 10 or more tackles. Smith shares the national lead in tackles with 30 in just two games.
Background
Location: San Jose, California
Enrollment: 25,109
Conference: Mountain West
Mascot: Spartans
Colors: Gold, Blue, and White
Coach: Ron Caragher (First Season)