Leidner and rushing attack lead Gophers at half against SJSU

Sep 21, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Mitch Leidner (7) runs for a touchdown in the first quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Mitch Leidner and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team are using their feet to get the job done against San Jose State University at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers lead the WAC opponent 20-17 at halftime.

Leidner has scored twice for Minnesota and accumulated 82 yards rushing on 13 carriers. His feet and not his arm, have carried the offense along with help from running back David Cobb. The tandem have combined for 153 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.

To the opposite, the San Jose State offense has been pass happy with almost 300 passing yards alone for senior quarterback David Fales. The future NFL draft pick, has been crisp on his throws, completing 12 of 16 passes for two touchdowns. Both touchdown receptions were made by senior wide receiver Chandler Jones, who has 146 yards receiving on just four catches.

Going into the second half, head coach Jerry Kill and his staff need to find a way to slow down the passing attack from Fales and the Spartans. The Gophers offense will likely have to start tossing the ball around themselves if they want to stay in what looks to be a high scoring game.

San Jose State did fumble the ball once in the red zone at the end of a long completion and possession was won by Minnesota after a replay review. Take that fumble away and the Spartans could be leading comfortably on the scoreboard in front of a lackluster crowd on a beautiful Saturday in Minneapolis.

Leidner has completed only two of his six passes for 39 yards. Both completions were to sophomore wide receiver K.J. Maye.

Can Minnesota hold on to their slim lead in their final non-conference game of the season?

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