San Jose State vs. Minnesota halftime score: Spartans trail Gophers 20-17

San Jose State picked up its offense after a poor first quarter to put up 17 points in the second, but they still trail Minnesota 20-17 at the half. Even though the Spartans are without star wide receiver Noel Grigsby, the passing game is performing well. David Fales has completed 12 of 16 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Bill Freeman has 81 yards on two receptions and Chandler Jones has 146 yards and two touchdowns.

Red zone issues are getting the best of the Spartans again, on a 4th-and-1 play at the Minnesota 15-yard line resulted in a 2-yard loss by Jason Simpson. Then San Jose State drove down the field to the Golden Gophers 13-yard line and settled for a field goal. So, had the offense been able to be productive in the red zone, then San Jose State could have 11 more points on the board.

Minnesota has played well themselves by being able to run the ball effectively, and have 200 yards so far and are averaging 6.1 yards per carry, plus three touchdowns. The pass defense for San Jose State has held Minnesota to just 2 of 6 passing for 39 yards.

San Jose State seems to have the momentum over Minnesota, but they need to keep throwing the ball and if they get in the red zone they must get touchdowns over field goals.