Replay: Gophers 24, Middle Tenn. St. 17

The recap: The Gophers delivered on their promise to establish the run first and foremost, taking advantage of their superior size to monopolize the ball for more than 46 minutes.

According to coach Tim Brewster: • The Gophers came through the game with nothing but minor bruises.

• Kim Royston wanted to play on his healed left leg, but Brewster will wait until he can practice for two consecutive days without lingering soreness. The senior safety remains questionable for Saturday.

• Jon Hoese's father, Terry, remains critically ill following a stroke, and the team will allow the senior fullback, who was not at team meetings Sunday, to be away from the team for as long as he needs, in order to be with his family.

• Brewster was unhappy with senior kicker Eric Ellestad, who missed two first-half field goals. "We've got to make those, and Ellestad knows it," Brewster said. "It shouldn't have been that close a game."

When, where: 11 a.m. Saturday, TCF Bank Stadium

TV, radio: Big Ten Network, 830-AM

The skinny: The Coyotes are an FCS team and a member of the Great West Conference, with two games against FBS teams on their schedule this season: a 38-7 loss to Central Florida on Saturday, and this game. It figures to be the easiest game on the Gophers' schedule this season, but these games have a way of being difficult for Minnesota. It's the second home opener at TCF Bank Stadium and could be another Duane Bennett showcase; the Coyotes surrendered 231 yards on the ground last week. Brewster would like to see more pressure put on the quarterback.