Western Illinois (2-0 overall, 0-0 Missouri Valley Football) vs. Minnesota (2-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
Minneapolis, Minnesota – TCF Bank Stadium
Saturday 11:00 a.m. CT – Big Ten Network
PREGAME NOTES
Series History
Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between the Golden Gophers and the Fighting Leathernecks. Jerry Kill and the Gophers know how tough FCS opponents can be and will not be taking Saturday’s contest lightly.
“It doesn’t matter who you play, you better be ready from week to week,” said Kill. “I know that particular conference because I coached in it. I know a lot about Western Illinois…They’re going to be a very well-coached football team and we’re going to need to be ready to play.”
Last Time Out
Western Illinois defended its home field for the second week in a row by topping Quincy 34-6. The stout Leathernecks’ defense held Quincy to 263 total yards including just 39 rushing yards on 26 attempts. One alarming trend Western Illinois will need to reverse this Saturday is its propensity for penalties. The undisciplined Leathernecks have racked up 25 penalties—including 15 last week— for 241 yards during the first two games. Comparatively, the Gophers have only been penalized five times for 42 yards in that same span.
Coaching Preview
Minnesotans will certainly be familiar with Western Illinois first-year head coach, Bob Nielson, who spent almost a decade coaching at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Nielson was a true program-changer for the Bulldogs. During his tenure, Nielson won two National Championships, two Division II National Coach of the Year Awards, and recorded an incredible record of 100-26. Although Jerry Kill has never coached against his counterpart, he has a great deal of respect for what Nielson has accomplished.
“I know Coach [Nielson] from coming to a clinic-type thing but [I can’t] say he’s a personal friend or nothing like that,” said Kill. “I have a great deal of respect for him; know what he’s done…You don’t win National Championships and not be a good football coach. You can tell his blueprint is already on it in his first two games. I know what they were doing in the past and where they’re at now and how he’s putting a blueprint together. He’ll be very successful there. There’s no doubt about that. Good hire for them.”
Strong Running Game
The Leathernecks boast a strong rushing game, totaling 437 yards on the ground in their first two contests. Minnesota will have to be prepared for Western Illinois’ rushing attack if they want to find success defensively.
“Bob’s background and knowing Bob, and what they’ve done in the past and you can always watch the film and see his blueprint on what he’s doing at Western Illinois,” said Kill. “They’re a very, very good zone team and they’ve got a very good offensive line coach in A.J. Blazek, who played at the University of Iowa, who was an excellent player, who’s also an excellent coach. You’re going to get a dose of the zone and they’re very good at it and they execute it. They’ve got a big back and that’s what he does.”
Active Defense
The Gophers will be up against a well-coached, active defense when the two teams face off this weekend.
“Defensively they’re based out of a 4-2 but they do a lot of things,” said Kill. “They run around and chase the football very well and they’re coached well in the kicking game so it’s a blueprint for success.”
Matchup to Watch
With a strong running game from the Leathernecks, Minnesota’s defensive line will need to continue their dominance from last game and stifle the Western Illinois running backs. The Gophers were up to the task last week against New Mexico State, allowing just 103 yards on the ground on 2.5 yards per carry.
On the other side of the ball, Western Illinois is averaging an incredible 218.5 rushing yards per game on 4.9 yards per carry. Minnesota will need to keep an eye on junior running back J.C. Baker. The 5-foot-8 back totaled 144 yards and two touchdowns on just 14 carries during his last outing.
Players to Watch
Hi-C Scott – The JUCO transfer with an unforgettable name had an explosive game last week. The 5-foot-9, 190-pound wide receiver hauled in five receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. Three of his catches went for over 20 yards, including a 25-yard TD reception.
Dallas Nichols – The junior defensive back has been an impact player on the Western Illinois defense this season. In week one, Nichols was named Missouri Valley Football Conference ‘Newcomer of the Week’ for his performance that included a program-record 97-yard interception return for a touchdown, a forced fumbled and four tackles. He followed it up with a career-high six tackles last game.
Gavin Rickets – Rickets, a 6-foot-1, 290-pounder, was a disruptive force last week, recording two sacks in the victory over Quincy. The sophomore defensive tackle became the first Leatherneck player in three years to finish a game with multiple sacks.
Background
Location: Macomb, Illinois
Enrollment: 11,707
Conference: Missouri Valley Football
Mascot: Fighting Leathernecks
Colors: Purple and Gold
Coach: Bob Nielson (First Season)