ORLANDO -- Gophers coach Jerry Kill met the media Wednesday and sounded confident about his team's preparation for Thursday's Citrus Bowl against Missouri.
"I really feel good about our players," Kill said. "I mean they have practiced very hard. We've had excellent practices. Yesterday, we were very sharp. So we feel good going in. Now that doesn't guarantee you anything, but it's a lot different than it was a year ago [at the Texas Bowl], I can tell you that.
"The kids bounced around a little bit. I think they've had a good time, but when we work, it's different. So I'm excited about watching them play. As a coaching staff, we feel very comfortable. We've got a good plan, we've just got to go execute it. So we'll see."
One injury note: Kill said offensive tackle Ben Lauer won't play. Lauer had mono this month and returned to practice this week but isn't ready to play a game. Jonah Pirsig will make his fifth consecutive start at right tackle, and not having Lauer will test the Gophers' depth.
