Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith, from the Big Ten Network, watched the Gophers second-to-last spring practice Thursday, inside the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex, and seemed to come away impressed.

On Twitter, DiNardo (@gerrydinardo) noted that Jerry Kill's program has looked better each time they've swung through camp, which would now be five times -- Spring 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012 and today.

"For the 14th practice they got a bunch done," DiNardo tweeted, adding "14 is usually not a productive go."

Kill was less impressed. In an 11-on-11 drill, Cedric Thompson intercepted Philip Nelson and ran for a touchdown. It was among the examples when the offense looked out of sync.

"I think we've had 13 good practices," Kill said. "I think today wasn't bad, but it wasn't as clean as I'd like it. We didn't go very long, and I think our kids have kind of hit that wall a little bit. We've got some guys banged up, which everybody does in spring, and we feel like we'll get those kids back. It's been a grind."

Next up for the Gophers is Saturday's 1 p.m., spring game at TCF Bank Stadium. They'll divide into two teams and play 15-minute quarters.

"I'm excited to get out there Saturday, be outside, a little bit different element, and finish off the spring good," Kill said. "Let those kids play and let them have some fun because we've been after them pretty good. Split them up and have a good time and hopefully get out of there without any major injuries."

Earlier in camp, the players did some pushing and shoving in one of the practices, and defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said that's usually a sign that it's time to scrimmage. The drills can get pretty frustrating. Today was no exception, as Thompson and tight end Drew Goodger got into it, leading to a long multi-player scuffle.

"At the end of camp, everybody is tired, and everybody's trying to push through," Thompson said. "So at times, everybody loses a screw every now and then. But at the end of the day, we're still a family. We all shake hands in the lockerroom. We all still love each other."