MWC Preview - Week 2 PDF Print E-mail
Written by Erik Lord   
Friday, 11 September 2009 01:57

Erik Lord

QB Tim Jefferson
QB Tim Jefferson; athlonsports.com

Game of the Week

 Air Force at Minnesota

Saturday, September 12th (7:00 PM EST, Big 10 Network)

When Air Force has the ball: The Falcons will run their version of the flex option, led by talented sophomore QB Tim Jefferson who had three touchdowns (2 rushing) in their warmup shellacking of Nicholls State last week. RB Asher Clark will play a huge role in the running game, and provides another receiving threat out of the backfield. Minnesota will counter with an attacking defense that held Syracuse to just 90 yards rushing on 34 carries. Senior linebackers Simoni Lawrence and Lee Campbell are perhaps the most talented pair in the Big Ten and should have success containing the option game. Air Force will need to limit the turnovers, which won't be easy against a Gophers defense that forced 31 turnovers last season.

When Minnesota has the ball: If there was ever a doubt who QB Adam Weber's favorite target is, the answer is clear after just one week – senior WR Eric Decker put on a show last week, catching 9 passes for 183 yards. Sophomore RB Duane Bennett has worked his way into the starting role at tailback after a 78 yard, 1 touchdown effort against Syracuse. The strength of the Air Force defense is in the front seven, so there could be some mismatches in the secondary against the talented Gopher receivers. CB Reggie Rembert is their best corner, so he will have his hands full against Decker.

Intangibles: Saturday will be the first ever game in Minnesota's new open-air facility, TCF Bank Stadium, after nearly three decades of playing off-campus in the Metrodome. Expect the home crowd to be especially rowdy given the excitement surrounding their new home field.

Prediction: Ask the Ohio State Buckeyes how easy it is to knock off a pesky service academy team...it's not a given. But considering the talent and toughness of this Gophers team, this game should be a “W” for Minnesota.

My pick: Minnesota

Keep an eye on: Sophomore WR Troy Stoudermire is the main return man for the Gophers, but proved last week that he is also an asset as a reciever, as he caught four balls and scored a touchdown. He will need to have a good game in order to keep Decker out of double coverage.

Upset Alert

#19 Utah at San Jose State

Hear me out. Utah struggled last week to put away in-state cupcake Utah State. While the fresh-faced Utes on offense looked solid, there were considerable holes in the defense that were exploited by a vastly inferior team. San Jose State was embarrassed last week against USC and will be looking to rebound in front of their home crowd. The Spartans have a very talented defense with a knack for forcing turnovers. If they can force Utah into a few mistakes, they could walk away with a huge upset win.

About to go Nuclear

RB Leonard Mason
RB Leonard Mason; Gabriel Christus

Colorado State RB Leonard Mason

Mason had a terrific game against Colorado, reeling off 105 yards on 23 carries. The 216-pound junior should have a solid game on Saturday against Weber State, who gave up 246 rushing yards to Wyoming last week.

Numerical analysis

12

Penalties committed by Oklahoma in their 14-13 loss to BYU. While the Cougars played well, it's clear the Sooners were not on the same page the entire game.

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