Good evening from TCF Bank Stadium, where at long last the 21st-ranked Gophers will face No. 18 Michigan at 6:30 p.m. (ABC) in the opener of a Big Ten football season delayed seven weeks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck on Monday hinted that there might be players who wouldn't be available because of COVID-19 or opting out this season but didn't identify them.
During pregame warmups, two starting offensive linemen from last season – tackle Daniel Faalele and guard Curtis Dunlap – weren't among the players on the field. Dunlap was on the sideline with a cast on his left foot and using a scooter, but there was no sign of Faalele.
Their absence will test the team's depth up front. The 6-9, 400-pound Faalele started 11 games at right tackle and eight the year before. Dunlap, 6-5 and 345 pounds, briefly entered the NCAA transfer portal in the offseason but returned to the Gophers. He started 12 games last year and one in 2018.
The Gophers' presumed starter at punter, Australian freshman Mark Crawford, was on the field but did not dress to play. Matthew Stephenson, a graduate transfer from Middle Tennessee, is expected to replace him.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Cole Kramer did not dress and had a brace on his left foot.
"GameDay'' visits
ESPN's "College GameDay'' preview show visited Minnesota for its second consecutive home game, following last November's regular-season finale against Wisconsin.
