Indiana State (1-0 overall, 0-0 Missouri Valley) at Minnesota (1-0 overall, 0-0 Big Ten)
When: Saturday, 11:00 a.m. CT – Minneapolis, Minn.
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium (50,805)
TV/Radio: ESPNews, KFAN 100.3 FM
Coach: Mike Sanford (4th season)
INSIDE THE GAME
Beavers at a Glance
Indiana State is 0-2 all-time against the Golden Gophers and 0-15 all-time against the current Big Ten.
The Sycamores opened the season with a 41-25 victory over Butler. ISU scored 21 points off turnovers, including a 100-yard fumble returned for a touchdown.
Against Butler, Sycamores’ quarterback Isaac Harker threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns in his first collegiate start. That marks the first time is two seasons that Indiana State has produced a 300-yard passer.
Keep an eye on No. 20 Jameer Thurman. The 6-foot, 220-pound linebacker is ISU’s active statistical leader in seven defensive categories including tackles (254), tackles for loss (19.5), and sacks (6).
Indiana State returns four starters along the offensive line. They average 333 pounds per player, with senior guard Zach Borens checking in at 6-foot-8, 380 pounds.
No. 4 Bob Pugh racked up 150 total yards and one touchdown last week. Pugh, a wide receiver, also handles the kick and punt-return duties.
Kicker Jerry Nunez started his college career with a perfect game. The freshman hit two field goals (29, 37 yards) and made all five extra points.
The Sycamores struggled week one with their efficiency and discipline. ISU was only 3-of-13 on third down, and was penalized eight times for 90 yards.
Coach Speak
“For the first game out, and the changes we’ve made, I think that I was pleased with the offensive line, any time you don’t give up any sacks. Same with Mitch. I mean, he made good decisions and didn’t give up any sacks. So, the negative yardage plays definitely took a step backwards, which they needed to.”– Tracy Claeys on the offensive line
STORYLINE CENTRAL
A story that every Gopher fan, every college football fan, needs to read is Chip Scoggins’ profile on Mike Sherels’ recent health emergency. It’s an amazing story on an incredible player, coach and person, and a true must-read for anyone in the Gopher community.
Matthew VanTryon of the IndyStar has a good recap of ISU’s season-opening victory over Butler. The article also looks at quarterback Isaac Harker who threw for 315 yards and two scores in the win.
As mentioned above, ISU kicker Jerry Nunez had a great to start the year. Cory Mull of the News-Press takes a look at the Naples native.
ISU head coach Mike Sanford’s weekly radio spot is online if you have 12 minutes to spare before the game.
WHO WINS?
The Gophers Win If…
They can avoid mistakes and win the turnover battle. Against a less talented opponent, the Gophers don’t want to let the Sycamore’s hang around, or take over with good field position. ISU did most of their damage (21 points) off turnovers in week one, and will likely have to rely on big plays to keep pace with the Gophers. If Minnesota can win the turnover battle, like they did against Oregon State, they should be in good shape on Saturday.
The Sycamores Win If…
They can close up some holes in their run defense. Against Butler, the Sycamores allowed 145 yards rushing, too much for head coach Mike Sanford.
“I think that the thing I look back, yes there’s a lot of positive, but we gave them too many yards rushing,” said Sanford. “They had 145 yards rushing and I think that’s too much. We’ve got to hold Butler to less than 145 yards rushing.”
If ISU can find a way to stop Rodney Smith and the Minnesota rushing attack, it could be enough to keep the game close late in the contest.