Greetings.
The Gophers held their 10th pre-bowl practice on the campus today. The players are now free to head home for Christmas. The next time they'll be together is Christmas night, at a 9 p.m. team meeting in Phoenix. Those players who have to travel a long ways to be home for the holiday will fly to Phoenix from those homes. Those who stay in the area will travel together out of MSP airport Christmas afternoon.
Here are some notes from today's post-practice session with coach Tim Brewster:
--Sophomore backup safety Tim Dandridge is not practicing with the team. "He's focusing on his academics," Brewster said. Brewster said Dandridge is still with the program and should travel with the team to Phoenix. But it does not appear he'll be playing in the bowl game. Dandridge was suspended for two games earlier this season for violating team rules and policies.
--While no final decision has been made, the Gophers have been taking a look at sophomore Shady Salamon at defensive back during practices. Salamon, who got two start at running back last season as a freshman, hasn't been in the running back mix this season but has excelled on special teams.
--Center Jeff Tow-Arnett continues to be on track to play in the bowl game after missing the last part of the season with a broken leg.
That's about it. Have a good day.
