Gameday: Gophers vs. South Dakota State

Marlin Levison, Dml - Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Gophers are expected to exploit their size advantage over SDSU, and that could mean a big running day for backs, such as Kevin Whaley, left.

Last update: November 13, 2009 - 11:53 PM

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GOPHERS VS. SOUTH DAKOTA ST.

11 a.m., TCF Bank Stadium • TV: BTN • Radio: 830-AM

Line: unlisted • Series: 5-0 • Last: UM 19-6 (9/30/1933)

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THE OPPONENT

South Dakota State is playing a Division I-A team for the second time ever. The Jackrabbits lost 44-17 at Iowa State in the 2008 season opener.

GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. JACKRABBITS DEFENSE Defense is SDSU's strength, ranking No. 6 in Football Championship Subdivision in points allowed. But the Jackrabbits are at a size disadvantage up front and should be at a speed disadvantage in the secondary. The Gophers should come out determined to establish a running game that has been up and down this season. If that happens, QB Adam Weber could make some big plays. Advantage: Gophers

JACKRABBITS OFFENSE VS. GOPHERS DEFENSE SDSU's offense is more of the sure and steady variety than the quick and explosive. Still, freshman QB Thomas O'Brien -- a Winona, Minn., native -- can get the ball deep. SDSU uses a lot of spread sets but still needs to get RB Kyle Minnet -- from Ruthton, Minn. -- going to be effective. SDSU has been good on third down this season, an area where the Gophers defense has struggled. The Gophers should be able to control the line. Advantage: Gophers

SPECIAL TEAMS The Gophers struggled last week with two kickoffs going out of bounds. They did block a punt, which resulted in a touchdown. SDSU has been good on kick and punt coverage. Still, could this be the day Troy Stoudermire breaks one? Advantage: Even

INTANGIBLES The fact that the Gophers, hoping to become bowl-eligible, view a November game against an FCS opponent as a must-win is not a good thing. SDSU coach John Stiegelmeier said his team was nervous against Iowa State last year, and it showed in a mistake-filled loss. This time the Jackrabbits figure to be a calmer bunch. Advantage: Even

PREDICTION The Gophers will be able to overpower the Jackrabbits on offense, keeping the ball and putting up points. Look for a lot of Minnesota rushing yards today. Gophers 28, South Dakota St. 14