Gophers coach Tracy Claeys likes the way the regular-season schedule finishes with two home games against Illinois and Wisconsin, in the elements, at TCF Bank Stadium.
"Especially late November," Claeys said. "That's why they built it, and they didn't put a dome on it for a reason. We need a little home-field advantage, and our crowd has been great all year."
The Gophers sold out their 52,525-seat stadium for the first four home games, against TCU, Kent State, Ohio and Nebraska. They drew 50,789 on Halloween night against Michigan.
The attendance could dip for Saturday's game against Illinois. Weather.com forecasts clear skies and 27 degrees (17 degrees with the wind) for the 11 a.m. kickoff.
"Our kids have played in some tough weather," Illinois coach Bill Cubit said.
Richardson returning?
Claeys told KFAN (100.3-FM) on Thursday that defensive tackle Steven Richardson could return from his calf injury to play Saturday.
Richardson has missed the past two games but still ranks second on the team with eight tackles for a loss. Claeys said Richardson would be a game-time decision, as he'll be trying to come back from a strained muscle in cold conditions.
If Richardson plays, it might be sparingly, but there is hope he'll be even healthier for next week's game against Wisconsin.