Under sunny skies, the Gophers just marched into their home stadium, and the new-look "Victory Walk" was striking. In years past, the Gophers would wander in informally, two or three at a time, and cross the field, most of them with headphones over their ears.
But under Jerry Kill, the march is much more serious and businesslike. The Gophers, all dressed in jackets and ties, looked almost military in their formation. As the marching band played them in, the Gophers entered the stadium in lines of three across, one yard behind the row in front of them. They weren't in lockstep, but hey, it's only the first game.
Kill and his coaching staff followed the team, which began its march at nearby Mariucci Arena and walked through the small but enthusiastic crowd at the student tailgate area on Oak Street. It was an impressive sight from the press box; too bad the stadium is empty at that hour, because I'm guessing fans would appreciate the all-business attitude.
Two hours before kickoff, there is little traffic on the streets around TCF Bank Stadium. The tailgate lots seemed maybe two-thirds full, a decent showing for a non-conference game.
Gophers all business in Kill's first victory march
Football team in 3-by-3 formation as they walk into stadium
September 10, 2011 at 8:32PM
Minnesota trailed by 17 points in the first half before their star led a rally with a 27-point second half.