Minnesota's game against San Jose State on had a bit of everything on Saturday. The two teams combined for 7 turnovers, Minnesota ran for 380 yards, and there was a thunderstorm that delayed the game for over an hour in the fourth quarter. It did not bother Minnesota as they won 24-7.
The big news for Minnesota was they were without Mitch Leidner due to a knee injury and turf toe. He was replaced by Chris Streveler who continued the passing struggles for Minnesota. However, that would not matter for the Gophers.
The narrative of San Jose State's game started on their first drive. Blake Jurich was intercepted by Damarius Travis and returned it to the 27 yard line. Minnesota would settle for a 38 yard field goal off the foot of Ryan Santoso.
Minnesota's second drive consisted entirely of runs from David Cobb with the one exception being Streveler's 21 yard scamper on the second play. Cobb ran for 64 yards on the drive, including the final play, which was a 9 yard touchdown run to make it 10-0.
San Jose State responded with a touchdown of their own. Jurich threw a 27 yard pass to Tyler Winston to make it 10-7. San Jose State had a chance to to tie the game at 10, but Austin Lopez missed his 58 yard field goal.
Minnesota was in position to make it a 17-7 game, but Cobb fumbled the ball just before the goal line and San Jose State's Jimmy Pruitt recovered with 29 seconds left in the first half.
However, the San Jose State offense was the gift that kept on giving. The second play after the fumble, Jurich threw a pick right to Eric Murray with 20 seconds left. With 4 seconds left and no time outs, Jerry Kill decided to go for the touchdown on third and goal. The gamble paid off as Streveler punched the ball in to make it 17-7 at the break.
Ryan Santoso missed a 49 yard field goal to start the second half. San Jose State was down to the Minnesota 5 yard line, but Jarrod Lawson was stripped and the ball was recovered by Damien Wilson to prevent San Jose State from getting any points. However, that turnover did not lead to any points.
The Spartans left more points on the field when Austin Lopez had his 52 yard field goal blocked. Both teams exchanged turnovers early in the fourth quarter. After the weather delay, Cobb rumbled for a 16 yard touchdown to cap the scoring at 24-7.
Blake Jurich went 14 of 29 for 161 yards with 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Jarrod Lawson ran the ball 18 times for 56 yards. Tyler Winston caught 9 passes for 94 yards and a touchdown.
The Spartans had 5 turnovers, but had no penalties during the game. Minnesota committed 2 turnovers and they were called for 10 penalties.
Chris Streveler was completely inefficient in the pass game, going 1 of 7 for 7 yards and an interception. His lone completion was to Drew Wolitarsky. However, he ran for 161 yards and a score on 18 rushes.
David Cobb had his second 200+ yard rushing game of the year. He finished with 207 yards and 2 touchdowns on 34 carries.
San Jose State (1-2) faces Nevada (1-2) next week back home in San Jose. Minnesota (3-1) opens Big Ten play against Michigan (2-2) next week on the road.