• The first three practices are open to the public — 5:15 p.m. Friday and 10:25 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Gibson-Nagurski Complex. The public also can view a scrimmage on Aug. 10 (4:40 p.m.) at TCF Bank Stadium.

• The biggest question marks are at linebacker and wide receiver. Redshirt freshman Jack Lynn and junior-college transfer Damien Wilson are battling for the starting middle linebacker spot. Andre McDonald's return could boost the wide receiving corps.

• Defensively, the Gophers will try to build off last year, when they allowed 24.7 points per game, down from 31.7 the previous year. But coach Jerry Kill said it's more important for the offense to take the next step. The Gophers scored 17 or fewer points last year in eight of 13 games.

JOE CHRISTENSEN