Nebraska, Michigan, Maryland, and Iowa Give the Big Ten a Third Chance. Vegas Big Ten Predictions for Week 4 Here.
Saturday Blitz Vegas Big Ten Predictions Week 4
San Jose State Spartans at Minnesota Golden Gophers
Line: Minnesota by 8.5
Minnesota is still on the verge of trying to prove it belongs with the best of the Big Ten, but last week’s game against TCU hurt that cause. The offense was rendered useless in the 30-7 loss, and 5 turnovers didn’t help. With San Jose State coming to town, the Golden Gophers have to get back to Jerry Kill’s style of play: running the football. They can’t be forced into a passing game, or they’ll have bad outings like last week. With quarterback Mitch Leidner dealing with an injury that makes him questionable, it’s even more crucial for Minnesota to rely on the running game this week. That’s going to be the key throughout the season, as David Cobb is averaging 5.7 yards a carry. If they stick to the running game and the defense doesn’t get behind early, the Golden Gophers will have no trouble winning.
San Jose State, meanwhile, is 1-1 and coming off a bye week after getting blown out by Auburn two weeks ago. The Spartans have a decent passing game with Blake Jurich, and his play will be key to a Spartans win on Saturday. He needs to get San Jose State out in front with a lead early to force Minnesota to begin passing the ball, which they are not that great at doing. The Spartans should consider receiving to score quickly and take some momentum, and if they can build a two-score lead early, this game might be over. Whether or not they can do that depends on how well Jurich plays coming out of the gates.
Prediction
Minnesota will establish the run early and have some nice stops on defense for a pretty comfortable win. Once they get the running game going, San Jose State will not be able to catch up, and the Golden Gophers will make this a very comfortable win. It’s also a game that will end quickly because Minnesota and Kill will be running the ball so much. San Jose State will keep the clock running as well with a few nice passing plays that keeps drives alive, but it won’t be enough for a victory.
Minnesota: 35 San Jose State: 17