It's a picture perfect day here at TCF Bank Stadium, with the Gophers getting ready for a 2:30 kickoff against Middle Tennessee State.

In case you missed it, I focused on the secondary for today's feature story. I knew DB coach Jay Sawvel had found some hidden gems but hadn't realized all four starters for the Gophers had offers from exactly one Power 5 conference school -- Minnesota. It also surprised me to realize that all four defensive backs Sawvel and Jerry Kill left behind at Northern Illinois have gone on to play in the NFL.

Here's Patrick Reusse's column: Kill looking in charge and on top of his game.

Here's my game preview and prediction. I think Middle Tennessee has a talented roster, but the opening week 61-7 victory over Savannah State shouldn't scare anyone with the Gophers. Savannah State is an FCS team that is 4-42 since 2010.

Here are 5 keys to an MTSU win, from Adam Sparks of the Daily News Journal.

I'll post other pregame notes here, as they come.

Chip Scoggins is here in the press box. Follow us on Twitter: @ChipScoggins @JoeCStrib