Huge STrib profile: On the road with the Gophers: From liftoff to kickoff

[BleedGopher]

per Joe:

An exclusive look inside the Gophers’ pregame routine.

Mitch Leidner is in 19-A, a stocking cap pulled low and his head pressed against the window shade. David Cobb is behind him, in 20-C, resting his eyes. The Gophers offensive linemen are up front, where they can stretch their big bodies in first class.

The shades are pulled, with players trying to catch a quick nap. It’s Friday at 1:30 p.m., less than 22 hours from kickoff. Fans used to seeing high-flying football games wouldn’t believe how quiet these players are in-flight.

At 10,000 feet, the pilot’s even-toned voice comes over the intercom, breaking the silence. He tells them they’re ahead of schedule, gives a quick weather update and wishes them well against Illinois.

This isn’t the time for pep talks. Nobody in the main cabin says a word.

“It’s a business trip,” senior associate athletic director Dan O’Brien says.

http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/281200531.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue

Go Gophers!!

 

[BleedGopher]

STrib video:

Beat reporter Joe Christensen gets exclusive access with players and coaches before a game. See the video and read the full story in Sunday’s newspaper.

http://www.startribune.com/video/281067372.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[BleedGopher]

STrib Photo Gallery: Behind the scenes with Gophers football

http://www.startribune.com/galleries/280867812.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[ButchNashGuy]

Was always curious about what the schedule was leading up to the game. Very interesting read.

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

I thought it was a great piece as well. I think Joe and Marcus both do a very good job covering the Gophers. Joe lucked out getting switched from the Twins to the Gophers just as the Twins started to slide and the Gophers play improved.