Minnesota v California Preview

Minnesota travels to Berkeley for a matchup of a couple of 2–0 programs. This game will provide key insights into both teams that have gotten off to solid starts. For Cal, a team that was buried in the preseason betting markets, opening with an over-under of 6.5, bet down to 5.5 (juiced under!), they have shown some juice on offense, particularly in their opening week victory in Corvallis against Oregon State. Freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has just over 500 yards in the opening two games. On the other hand, Minnesota beat a feisty MAC contender, Buffalo, in the opener, and gave Northwestern State such a beatdown last week that they called the game with 6:15 minutes to play. Redshirt Freshman QB Drake Lindsey has looked the part, throwing for 290 yards against a Buffalo defense that returns a bunch of talent, and throws a pretty ball. This game will provide a measuring stick for both programs. Let's dig in.
Coach Speak
Minnesota: P.J. Fleck has spoken profusely about how this group has the most multipliers of any team he has coached in his time in Minneapolis. Guys who are bought in want their teammates to succeed and don't care who gets the stats. It has shown thus far statistically with 9 different TD scorers. The depth could be tested as Fleck discussed how star RB Darius Taylor could be out of Saturday night's contest. If he misses, look for former All-Sun-Belt performer A.J. Turner to step up. Fleck is bullish on this group's depth regardless of whether Taylor plays. Last season, the Golden Gophers won a night game at UCLA, and Fleck has talked about how his staff (including a sleep coach) has gotten his players dialed in for what the challenges of playing on the West Coast may present.
Cal: Justin Wilcox wasn't thrilled with his offense's performance vs. Texas Southern in the first half, seemingly feeling like his offense was pressing. That's not something you want to do against this Minnesota secondary. LB Luke Ferrelli earned glowing praise. He and Liberty transfer T.J. Bush will need to be huge against the Gophers' run game if Cal wants to stay in the game, especially with LB Cade Uluave suspended for the first half due to targeting.
Statistical Pulse
Though the competition can obviously be questioned, Minnesota has only given up 65 yards a game through the air in its opening 2 games, the best in the nation. When facing a freshman quarterback, the Gophers have a significant edge. Not only is Koi Perich one of, if not the best, safety in the country, fellow DB John Nestor recorded 2 picks last week. With the back end buttoned up against a freshman who's going to let it fly, I expect guys like Anthony Smith and Jaxon Howard to wreak havoc on the Cal O-line. The Golden Bears' O-line unit has not exactly has stellar PFF blocking grades, against relatively weak competition to date.
Market
FanDuel has Minnesota as a 2.5-point favorite. That is a solid wager. P.J. Fleck's side has a history of doing well on West Coast trips, so clearly their system of travel and preparation is buttoned up. In a battle of Freshman and Redshirt Freshman QBs, that extra year of experience will shine through for Drake Lindsey and Minnesota. Cal has had a nice start and proven some serious doubters wrong, but Minnesota is a solid team. If electric back Darius Taylor is out, look for two former All-Conference G5 transfers to step up big in RB A.J. Turner from Marshall, and WR Javon Tracy from Miami (Ohio).