The Call: Everything to know ahead of Gophers vs. Northwestern State

Kickoff: 11 a.m., Saturday

Where: Huntington Bank Stadium

TV/Radio: Big Ten Network, 100.3-FM

Line: Not available

The Gophers (1-0) will face an FCS opponent for the third time in four seasons when Northwestern State (1-0) visits Minneapolis. The Demons, who are based in Natchitoches, La., ended a 20-game losing streak that dated back to 2022 with a 20-10 victory over Alcorn State last week. Wide receiver Ty Moore scored touchdowns on a 15-yard reception and an 8-yard fumble return on a botched punt.

A mismatch on paper

The Gophers, coming off a 23-10 victory over Buffalo, might be playing their worst opponent in coach P.J. Fleck’s nine years in Minnesota. The Demons’ losing streak covered 1,027 days, and they have not had a winning season since 2008. Last year, they lost by an average score of 45-12, including 87-10 to South Alabama. They’re playing a Big Ten opponent for the first time.

Fleck mentioned the need for the Gophers to clean up some mistakes, and that starts with those who are catching passes. Drake Lindsey might have had 350 passing yards against Buffalo if not for an estimated four drops. Tight end Jameson Geers and wideout Jalen Smith would like a couple of their chances back. They’ll likely have opportunities Saturday.

Time for depth to shine

Should the Gophers build a big lead, look for Fleck to play reserves late in the game. Areas to watch are backup quarterback behind Lindsey (Max Shikenjanski, Emmett Morehead, Dylan Wittke), depth along the offensive line (Kahlee Tafai, Tony Nelson) and the defensive line rotation (Riley Sunram, Nate Becker).

Gophers RB Darius Taylor vs. Demons LB Fernando Washington

With the Gophers up 13 points in the fourth quarter vs. Buffalo, Fleck handed the game to Taylor, who had 12 touches for 42 yards in a 16-play drive that drained the final 9:45 off the clock. The junior running back finished with 30 carries for 141 yards and four catches for 36 yards. Washington led the Demons with eight tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack last week.

Yes, both play for the Gophers, but they have a little competition going on. Against Buffalo, Smith drove the Bulls left tackle into the quarterback for a sack. Logan-Redding arrived at the same time, and each got a half-sack. “We were arguing about the first sack,” Logan-Redding said. “‘Yeah, I got half of that, so you’re not taking that away.’” They should have more to argue about on Saturday.

7-3 | That’s the lead Northwestern State had in the first quarter against 2019 national champion LSU. The Tigers won the game 65-14.

If this feels a bit like an NFL preseason game, you’re not wrong. The Gophers will use this game as a tune-up for next week’s trip to California. Minnesota should have big advantages at the line of scrimmage, and look for both groups to impose their will. Lindsey received strong reviews for his first start, but he’s focused on fixing his mistakes. Expect the Gophers to give the Demons a dose or two of Koi Perich early in the game and then roll from there.