Gophers-Syracuse football series set

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: November 12, 2008 - 4:26 AM

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The Gophers have officially filled the empty slot on their 2009 schedule by agreeing to a home-and-home series with Syracuse.

The result is a 2009 non-conference schedule that includes games against two teams from BCS conferences (California and Syracuse) plus a game against Air Force.

In the agreement the Gophers will play at Syracuse next year and the Orangemen will come here to play on Sept. 22, 2012.

''I think it's one of the best nonconference schedules we've had here in years,'' Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi said.

Syracuse is 2-7 this season but plays in the Big East Conference. California is 6-3. The Bears were ranked 21st in the country before suffering a 17-3 loss to Pac-10 powerhouse Southern Cal last Saturday.

The Gophers will open at Syracuse, then play Air Force and California at home before opening the 2009 Big Ten season at Northwestern. The fourth nonconference foe is South Dakota State.

A clearer view

Running back DeLeon Eskridge said one key to a more efficient running game could be the way he views each run. Literally.

''I need to study the read more, use my vision,'' he said. ''Last week I tried to just run downhill, not do so much cutting.''

Etc.

• Badgers middle linebacker Jaevery McFadden, who suffered a concussion against Indiana last week, has been cleared to practice again and could play on Saturday.

Offensive tackle Erin Vanden Heuvel, who suffered a lower right leg injury against the Hoosiers, was scheduled to undergo an MRI exam on Tuesday.

• The Gophers practiced inside on Tuesday but kept all the doors open to acclimate themselves for Saturday's game.

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