After sluggish starts in their past two games against Purdue and Illinois, the Gophers know it's imperative to come out sharper Saturday against Iowa.
An otherwise stout defense looked shellshocked when it gave up 31 first-half points to Purdue, followed by two touchdowns on the first three drives at Illinois.
The defense recovered in both games. Purdue scored only seven points after halftime in a 39-38 Gophers victory, and Illinois scored only seven points on offense after the first quarter. The Illini's winning touchdown was a defensive score on David Cobb's fourth-quarter fumble.
"We've got to start better," Gophers defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys said. "We played well after the first 20 minutes of the [Illinois] game. So there's no need to panic. We just need to … get out of the gate better than what we have."
Wolitarsky update
Coach Jerry Kill has said the decision on whether to pull another redshirt at wide receiver could depend on how long Drew Wolitarsky is out because of his sprained ankle.
Thursday on 100.3-FM, Kill said, "It's a tough situation right now because we're not going to have Drew Wolitarsky [against Iowa], and we may not have him the rest of the year."
Without Wolitarsky, the Gophers' top three wide receivers are Isaac Fruechte, Donovahn Jones and KJ Maye. Kill has said Logan Hutton and Eric Carter are in the group of players who could see more playing time in Wolitarsky's absence.
The Gophers brought true freshman receiver Jerry Gibson to Illinois, though he didn't play. He could be next in line if the Gophers decide to burn his redshirt.
Offensive line plans
Foster Bush, who started the season's first five games at right guard before suffering a concussion, has been moved to left tackle, behind Josh Campion.
Joe Bjorklund has started the past three games at right guard, but he's still recovering from knee surgery. Kill said true freshman Connor Mayes and junior Jon Christenson could be used to spell Bjorklund against Iowa.
Jonah Pirsig will likely start at right tackle, as Ben Lauer is questionable because of a sprained ankle.
