Replay: Gophers 29, Western Illinois 12

The recap: The Gophers trailed 12-7 in the third quarter before backup quarterback Mitch Leidner led them on three consecutive touchdown drives.

What was learned: The Gophers won despite coach Jerry Kill's seizure at halftime and despite losing starting quarterback Philip Nelson to a right hamstring injury.

• Freshman wide receiver Donovahn Jones did not play. It wasn't injury related; he simply didn't fit into the Gophers' scheme for this game.

• After returning a kickoff and punt for touchdowns the first two weeks, Marcus Jones suffered a slight ankle injury and was held without a return for longer than 25 yards.

• After notching eight tackles apiece the previous week, linebackers Damien Wilson (three tackles) and De'Vondre Campbell (two tackles) weren't quite as active.

• Punter Peter Mortell had his best game of the season, averaging 45.4 yards on his five punts.

TV: ESPN or ESPN2. Radio: 100.3-FM

The skinny: The Spartans went 11-2 last year and hired Ron Caragher as their new coach after Mike MacIntyre bolted for Colorado. Quarterback David Fales led the nation with a 72.5 completion percentage last year and is a top NFL prospect. San Jose State had a bye last weekend after opening the season with a 24-0 victory over Sacramento State, followed by a 34-13 loss to No. 5 Stanford.