Looking at the matchups for tonight's Gophers/Oregon State game, one that I can't wait to see is Minnesota center Tyler Moore against Beavers nose tackle Elu Aydon, who is a 6-3, 327-pound redshirt freshman from American Samoa.
Moore started the last eight games for the Gophers as a true freshman. They're counting on him for big things this year, and Aydon represents one of the new faces on Oregon State's defense.
You couldn't have dialed up better weather. This game will be live on Big Ten Network, at 8 p.m. Eric Collins and Glen Mason have the call.
Continue checking back here for any pregame news. No word yet on whether tight end Brandon Lingen will be in action. (Update: He's in uniform and had light contact during warmups).
Great news: Gophers linebackers coach Mike Sherels is expected to watch this game from the coaching booth. He's recovering from an undisclosed medical issue. He won't be coaching tonight, but he'll listening on the headsets.
The Gophers are wearing all maroon (helmet, jerseys, pants).
As expected, RB Shannon Brooks (broken foot) is out tonight. WR Eric Carter and backup RT Chad Fahning (unspecified injury) are also out tonight.
Earlier today, I did a live chat and readers brought some great questions. One asked for my response to Sports Illustrated's note that the industry perception of Tracy Claeys is that he's a placeholder coach for the Gophers. I disagree. Here's the full transcript of the chat.
