MINNESOTA at CALIFORNIA
When: 9:30 p.m. (CDT) Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif.
TV: ESPN
Radio: KFAN, 100.3 FM
Weather: 66 degrees, partly cloudy, 12 mph east wind
Betting spread: Minnesota, minus-2.5
Records: The Gophers (2-0) eviscerated Northwestern (La.) State 66-0 on Saturday after a season-opening 23-10 win over Buffalo. Cal (2-0) walked past Texas Southern 35-3 on Saturday after beating former Pac-12 opponent Oregon State, 34-15, in Game 1.
History: The Golden Bears lead the all-time series 4-2, with Marshawn Lynch and DeSean Jackson combining for five touchdowns in a 42-17 home win over Minnesota in 2006.
Stat: Minnesota climbed to No. 33 in ESPN’s efficiency metric SP+, while Cal registers at 52 through Week 2. When it comes to each program’s top-ranked opponents, Buffalo (1-1) sits at 85th, Oregon State (0-2) at 97.
Big question: How much does continuity matter? Cal has survived more than 20 players transferring out from last year’s team, while the Gophers have sustained only a few important defections. Head coach P.J. Fleck preaches “cultural sustainability” and this early season foe from a Power Four conference will put that concept under a microscope.
Key matchup: Cal QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele vs. Gophers secondary. The former five-star recruit, per On3, has not played like a true freshman. “He’s really scary,” Fleck said. The U safeties are the deepest position on the roster, but the newer cornerbacks will get their stiffest test yet.
Who has the edge?
Gophers offense vs. Cal defense: The U’s most versatile offensive weapon, RB Darius Taylor, is questionable after appearing to pull his right hamstring last weekend. If he can’t play, Minnesota will likely turn to a trio of tailbacks: A.J. Turner, Cam Davis and Fame Ijeboi. Cal has been strong against the run so far this year, ranking 14th in the nation with only 58 yards allowed per game. … Gophers coordinator Greg Harbaugh gained respect for Bears head coach Justin Wilcox when Western Michigan prepared for Wilcox’s Wisconsin defense in the 2017 Cotton Bowl. Wilcox’s defenses have multiple fronts from four to three down linemen, including stemming on the same play, and disguised coverages. “It’s a challenge, especially for a young quarterback (Drake Lindsey) to be able to manage all of that,” Harbaugh said. … DE Ryan McCullough is twitchy off the edge with 1 1/2 sacks and 14 pressures in 83 pass-rush snaps, per Pro Football Focus. He will be problematic for the U’s new tackles — freshman Nathan Roy and senior Dylan Ray. … The heart of the defense is LB Cade Uluave, who has 15 tackles, but also five missed tackles through two games. EDGE: California
Gophers defense vs. Cal offense: Sagapolutele has been a revelation after last year’s starter, Fernando Mendoza, transferred to Indiana. In the Oregon State win, he posted the highest PFF passing grade (95.5) for a true freshman in an FBS game since 2014. The next closest? Caleb Williams, Zach Wilson, Brock Purdy and Tua Tagovailoa. The 6-foot-3 lefty can spin it, completing 68% this season for 493 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He also has 37 yards on the ground and a rushing TD. “Very accurate,” coordinator Danny Collins said. “He’s really comfortable back there, comfortable running their offense, like he has run their offense for a lot of years.” … After zero takeaways against Buffalo, Minnesota had four against Northwestern State, including two returned for touchdowns. “We challenged our defense to be obsessed with the football and that is what we have to continue to challenge,” Collins said. Cal has only one giveaway through two games. … The Bears’ offense is led by coordinator Bryan Harsin, the former Boise State and Auburn head coach. “We have to have crazy communication all game long,” Collins said. “Coach Harsin has been doing this for a long time.” … Slot WR Jacob De Jesus is a shifty 5-foot-7 threat, while 6-4 split WR Trond Grizzell is a big target. … Veteran DT Jalen Logan-Redding hurt his right leg last week and might not play Saturday. EDGE: Gophers
Special teams: PR/KR Jacob De Jesus was an All-America returner at UNLV and has a combined 147 return yards so far this season. Minnesota has been within the top 30 in both kick and punt return yards allowed. … Both teams are each 4-for-4 on field goals and average 42 yards on punts. … Koi Perich has yet to make a splash play in either return game. EDGE: California
Prediction: One anonymous ACC assistant coach told Athlon Sports that Cal was in “serious trouble” after last season’s exodus, but they have rebounded and will give a grave scare to the Gophers. Yet Minnesota will be fundamental enough to eek out a win. Gophers, 19-17.
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