The Call: Gophers vs. Western Michigan

THE OPPONENT

Minnesota hasn't seen the Broncos in a while, but Western Michigan's kitchen-sink spread offense is familiar to Jerry Kill and his staff.

GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. BRONCOS DEFENSE

Minnesota would like to open up its offense, but this might not be the week. Holding the ball and keeping Western Michigan's offense off the field is a better bet, and the Gophers, with the emergence of tailback Donnell Kirkwood and the running ability of quarterback MarQueis Gray, have the backs to do it. Advantage: Gophers

GOPHERS DEFENSE VS. BRONCOS OFFENSE

With an offensive line that includes four seniors and a junior, WMU ran 93 plays against Eastern Illinois, so its preferred speed is "frenetic." The Broncos don't huddle, they settle for small and medium-sized gains, and they wait for the defense to make a mistake. The Gophers will have a size and speed advantage, but the key will be their ability to react to odd formations without letting a receiver go free. Advantage: Even

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Broncos have had a couple of long returns, but their punting has been ordinary, and their place-kicker has missed two of three field goals. If the Gophers' dramatic improvement in punting and punt returns remains consistent, they should have decent field position. Advantage: Gophers

INTANGIBLES

The Gophers' 2-0 start has unquestionably helped their confidence, and the TCF Bank Stadium atmosphere was lively last week, even with all the empty seats. Western Michigan is quietly confident, too, having competed well against Illinois and blown out Eastern Illinois. Advantage: Even

PREDICTION

The Gophers will get an early wake-up call from Western Michigan's hurry-up offense, so keeping their composure will be important. But superior size and speed, and a ball-control offense, should allow the defense to gradually force a few critical mistakes.

Gophers27

Broncos20