Retired Gophers coach Jerry Kill was not at TCF Bank Stadium to watch his team play Michigan on Saturday night.
Senior Associate Athletics Director Dan O’Brien said Kill would be at home watching the game on ESPN. Kill suddenly retired Wednesday, citing an extreme lack of sleep and a return of seizures caused by his epilepsy.
“Its tough and you come over to the stadium and he’s not around,” interim head coach Tracy Claeys told KFXN-FM.
Claeys said the team would try to operate under Kill’s principles. Claeys said it will be about controlling emotions and focusing on the little things to keep the Little Brown Jug.
Kill had a 156-102 record in 21-plus season, including 29-29 with four-plus seasons with the Gophers. Claeys was 4-3 in 2013 when he was the acting head coach during Kill's absence for his health.
INJURY REPORT
Defensive tackle Scott Ekpe (undisclosed injury) will miss his second game this season Saturday.
Ekpe has 14 tackles, two tackles for loss and a fumble recovery in six games this season. He also missed the 41-13 win against Purdue on Oct. 10.
Wide receiver Eric Carter did not wear a uniform in warmups. Carter, who had his first career touchdown vs. Nebraska, is Minnesota’s third leading receiver with 21 receptions for 245 yards and one touchdown in seven games.
Linebacker Cody Poock (undisclosed injury) warmed up and took reps with the second team. He missed the Nebraska game on Oct. 17 after playing in the opening six games. He was the team's leading tackler (45) through six games.
Defensive end Alex Keith, who broke his hand in warmup before Nebraska, warmed up Saturday night.
ALTERNATE JERSEY
The Gophers introduced new alternate jerseys Saturday night. The “anthracite,” or charcoal gray-colored, jerseys and pants with “Minnesota” on the nameplate.
The post Gophers football: Coach Jerry Kill at home; injury update appeared first on Gophers Now.