BleedGopher
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per Randy:
When the Gophers expect a rainy game day, they'll practice with wet footballs. When they anticipate a hot, muggy day, coach P.J. Fleck will turn up the heat in the indoor practice facility. And when they expect a rowdy road environment, loud noises will be blaring from speakers during practice.
But how does a team prepare for a less-than-full road venue, which the Gophers are expected to encounter Saturday when they play Northwestern at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill.?
"We have to bring our own juice, no matter where we go," Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan said. "You can't rely on outside factors, external factors to get you going."
Northwestern is averaging an announced attendance of 29,194 through four home games, or 61.9% of capacity at the 47,130-seat Ryan Field. The average is 31,233 for two Big Ten games, and the Wildcats could see a bump Saturday because they're honoring their 2000 Big Ten championship team. Still, end-zone tickets were going for $5 and lower-level midfield seats for less than $20 on vividseats.com on Tuesday afternoon.
For Morgan, it's not about the stadium but rather the respect for the team the Gophers are playing.
"They've got an elite fan base, and they've won two of the last three Big Ten West championships," he said. "We're not talking about a one-season thing. … We have a lot of respect for the way they do things."
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
When the Gophers expect a rainy game day, they'll practice with wet footballs. When they anticipate a hot, muggy day, coach P.J. Fleck will turn up the heat in the indoor practice facility. And when they expect a rowdy road environment, loud noises will be blaring from speakers during practice.
But how does a team prepare for a less-than-full road venue, which the Gophers are expected to encounter Saturday when they play Northwestern at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill.?
"We have to bring our own juice, no matter where we go," Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan said. "You can't rely on outside factors, external factors to get you going."
Northwestern is averaging an announced attendance of 29,194 through four home games, or 61.9% of capacity at the 47,130-seat Ryan Field. The average is 31,233 for two Big Ten games, and the Wildcats could see a bump Saturday because they're honoring their 2000 Big Ten championship team. Still, end-zone tickets were going for $5 and lower-level midfield seats for less than $20 on vividseats.com on Tuesday afternoon.
For Morgan, it's not about the stadium but rather the respect for the team the Gophers are playing.
"They've got an elite fan base, and they've won two of the last three Big Ten West championships," he said. "We're not talking about a one-season thing. … We have a lot of respect for the way they do things."
Gophers plan to bring their own juice to fire up at Northwestern
Saturday's game isn't expected to draw a large crowd, but the Gophers say they'll be facing a challenge at Northwestern.
www.startribune.com
Go Gophers!!
