Gophers

The Call: Everything to know ahead of Gophers at Cal

Seeking a 3-0 start, Minnesota steps up in competition against the Golden Bears, who boast a standout freshman QB of their own.

By Randy Johnson

The Minnesota Star Tribune

September 13, 2025 at 11:00AM

Among the storylines heading into Saturday night's showdown between the Minnesota Gophers and Cal Bears will be the health of Gophers star running back Darius Taylor and whether he plays or not. (Alex Kormann/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Gophers (2-0) at California (2-0)

Kickoff: 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: California Memorial Stadium

TV/Radio: ESPN, 100.3-FM

Line: Gophers by 2½ (41.5 over/under)

After dispatching Buffalo and Northwestern State by a combined score of 89-10, the Gophers hit the road for the first time and will play the California Golden Bears in Berkeley, Calif. It’s Minnesota’s first meeting with Cal since a 35-21 home loss in 2009 and first visit to the Bay Area since a 42-17 defeat in 2006.

The Golden Bears (2-0) own victories over Oregon State (34-15) and Texas Southern (35-3) to start the season.

Three big story lines

How will the Gophers deal with a Power Four opponent?

Minnesota took care of business in its first two nonconference games, and now it steps up in class to face a Cal team that went 6-7 last year with five one-score losses. The Gophers defense has been dominant so far, ranking No. 1 nationally in total defense and passing defense and third in rushing defense.

What will the Gophers ground game look like with Darius Taylor’s injury?

Gophers coach P.J. Fleck on Monday said Taylor’s injury, likely a hamstring, isn’t as bad as initially thought. Still, the chances of him playing don’t seem high, especially with the Gophers on a bye next week. Look for A.J. Turner and Cam Davis, a pair of transfer portal additions, to carry the bulk of the rushing load.

How will the Gophers stop Cal QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele?

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Sagapolutele, who enrolled at Oregon in the winter before quickly transferring to Cal, doesn’t look like a true freshman. He has completed 68.7% of his passes for an average of 246.5 yards per game with three TDs and one interception. The Gophers could use another strong effort from their defensive line, led by end Anthony Smith.

Two key matchups

Gophers LB Maverick Baranowski vs. Cal RB Kendrick Raphael

Raphael, a transfer from North Carolina State, has rushed for 168 yards in two games, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. If the Golden Bears can get him going, that makes Sagapolutele even more dangerous. Baranowski is tied with Devon Williams for the team lead with 11 tackles and forced a fumble last week.

Gophers CB John Nestor vs. Cal WR Tron Grizzell

Nestor had a huge game against Northwestern State, intercepting two passes, including one that he returned 29 yards for a TD only 6 seconds into the game. He earned an outstanding 87.2 rating by Pro Football Focus last week and will be key in stopping Grizzell, the Bears’ top receiver (seven catches, 115 yards, one TD).

One stat that matters

0 Minutes that Cal linebacker Cade Uluave will play in the first half. The 2023 first-team Freshman All-American received a targeting penalty against Texas Southern and must sit out the first half. The junior had 71 tackles in nine games last year.

Prediction

This will be the first road start for Gophers redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey, whose poised, calm demeanor will face its first stiff test. The challenge becomes bigger if Taylor, a threat both as a runner and receiver, can’t play. Minnesota’s defense also will face the best offense it has seen so far, and limiting Sagapolutele and Co. to minimal gains on first downs will be important. This could come down to special teams, and the Gophers have a special player in that role in Koi Perich. Look for a big punt return from the Esko, Minn., native to play a key role.

Gophers 21, California 17