MINNESOTA (1-0) at No. 23 CALIFORNIA (1-0), 7, TBS.
FAVORITE: Power Ratings say Minnesota by 3.
COACHES: Glen Mason (59-50 in 10th year at Minnesota) and Jeff Tedford (33-18 in fifth year at LSU).
LAST WEEK: Minnesota won at Kent State, 44-0. Cal lost at Tennessee, 35-18. SERIES HISTORY: Tied, 2-2.
LAST MEETING: Minnesota won, 32-23, in 1987.STAT THAT MATTERS: Since 2002, Golden Gophers are 18-1 in August and September games.
GAME FACTS: Gophers play BCS school on road for first time since 2000. Latest RBs to thrive in Mason's rock-'em, sock-'em ground attack are Alex Daniels, Amir Pinnix, who combined for 269 yards, 4 TDs last week. After seeing how Tennessee QB Erik Ainge torched Bears' secondary, UM QB Bryan Cupito (8-of-13, 146 passing, 1 TD last week) is anxious for his shot. Cal's trip to Knoxville was a nightmare. Supposedly strong defense was riddled for 35 points in first 2-1/2 quarters (including 4 TDs of 40 yards or more) as secondary really missed All-Pac-10 CB Tim Mixon, who is out for year with knee injury. QB Nate Longshore was harassed constantly, sacked 3 times, and hurt by dropped balls, which made talented RB Marshawn Lynch (74 rushing) a marked man. If defense gives up 216 yards on ground again, Cal's in big trouble.
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