Former Gophers Marcus Sherels and Eric Decker each performed well yesterday as their respective NFL teams posted wins.

Sherels returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown as he helped the Minnesota Vikings win 20-13 at Detroit. Sherels and the Vikings are 3-1 this year.

Decker hauled in seven passes for 79 yards and one touchdown and Denver routed rival Oakland, 37-6. Decker has made 24 catches this year for 322 yards and one score for the 2-2 Broncos.

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Kill want to have options (Star Tribune)

There are positives to be taken from the loss (Sid)

Off week should help Gophers get healthy (Pioneer Press)

Minnesota going through a learning process (Star Tribune)

Will loss serve as a wake-up call? (1500 ESPN)

Breaking down the game film (1500 ESPN)

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Depth chart, injury report for Sept. 29 at Iowa (GopherSports)

Five things you need to know (GopherSports)

Official viewing party and 'Sota Social information (GopherSports)

Know Thy Opponent: Iowa (GopherSports)

Why do U athletes have such good smiles? The School of Dentistry is a big reason (UNN.edu)

Shortell is a fast reader (Star Tribune)

Gophers trying to prepare for Iowa City crowd noise (SB Nation)

Different task for the defense this week: stop the run (Pioneer Press)

Excitement building around Gophers (FSN)

Two-minute drill with a prediction (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

Mike Grimm was a podcast guest (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

Minnesota to be without Gray (Daily Iowan)

Kirkwood can do it all now (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

The Gophers put Floyd of Rosedale on the line this weekend when they travel to Iowa for an 11 a.m. game tomorrow. We spoke with Scott Dochterman of the Cedar Rapids Gazette to learn about the Hawkeyes. You can follow Scott on Twitter at @ScottDochterman and you can read his Gazette stories here.

GopherSports: Scott, thanks for taking the time to speak with us, as we certainly appreciate it. Can you provide a general scouting report on Iowa?

Scott Dochterman: Iowa is a team in transition and searching for an identity. Thus far, the team is out of sync with only one touchdown pass. The communication between quarterback James Vandenberg and his wide receivers at times has not been on point. Defensively, Iowa has shaken things up a bit with new defensive coordinator Phil Parker. Iowa traditionally incorporates a two-deep, 4-3 zone with few personnel changes. But this year has involved nickel and dime units with more press man coverage. It's a team without a lot of confidence but it still has enough players that make plays.

GS: Iowa has had their issues with injuries at running back this year, but Mark Weisman has been a beast the last two games. Tell us a little bit about him.

SD: Weisman is a suburban Chicago kid who transferred to Iowa from the Air Force Academy. Weisman sat out last year and really started to get looks in spring practice. When regular starting fullback Brad Rogers went down with various injuries during summer camp, Weisman stepped in and won the job. But Weisman was little more than a primary blocker until he was thrust into service two weeks ago against Northern Iowa. Starting running back Damon Bullock went out with a concussion and backup Greg Garmon suffered an elbow injury. Third-teamer Mike Malloy didn't dress because of a week-long illness so Weisman was inserted at running back. His physical style of running really lifted Iowa that game, and Weisman backed it up with a 217-yard performance against Central Michigan.

GS: This game is always important, but Minnesota has won two straight against Iowa. At media availability this week, did you sense a feeling from the Hawkeyes really wanting to win this game and not drop a third-straight game to one of their main rivals?

SD: Senior center James Ferentz admitted he was embarrassed by the way the Hawkeyes played without emotion against Minnesota the last two years. He told reporters, "During the week all you have to do is throw on the past few years' film to get a little bit of motivation and yeah maybe if you're tired halfway through practice, you just think about that kind of image and what you want to put on tape this year." There's an empty trophy case inside the Hawkeyes' locker room after losing six straight trophy games. Although all the games were tough losses - five by a total of 11 points to historic rivals Iowa State, Minnesota and Wisconsin - the Floyd of Rosedale trophy itself means the most to the program. Iowa always cares about this game, but you can sense its importance this week.

GS: Greg Davis and Brian Ferentz are both new to the offensive Iowa coaching staff? How has the Hawkeye offense changed until their leadership?

SD: Greg Davis has changed the terminology in the passing game, which has led to a lot of inconsistency thus far. The wide receivers have more option routes than before but there's more confusion in spontaneous situations, like back-shoulder throws. The Hawkeyes still like to run the ball and use both its traditional inside/outside zone on offense. Brian Ferentz is a fiery leader for the offensive line, which was sorely needed. He's helped turn that unit from an eyesore in week one against Northern Illinois into a positive the last few weeks.

GS: Who is a an under-the-radar player Gophers fans should keep an eye on this week?

SD: Middle linebacker James Morris might be the Hawkeyes' best player and he continues a long line of talented linebackers that recently includes Chad Greenway and Pat Angerer. Morris is now a junior, is bigger and stronger at the point of attack, he's got good quickness and a smart player. He made several key plays against Iowa State, including a 50-yard interception return, that nearly swung the game into Iowa's favor. He's one of the league's best linebackers, which is saying something in the Big Ten.

GS: Finish this thought. Iowa will win if...

SD: James Vandenberg can have enough time to throw the football and hit open targets. But that suggests Minnesota defensive end D.L. Wilhite or nose tackle Ra'Shede Hageman will give him time. Likewise, with the Gophers' ball-hawking secondary, it will be difficult for Iowa's disjointed passing game to make strides this week. Vandenberg has shown propensity to make plays before, but he'll need to do it this week at another level for Iowa to win Floyd back.

GS: Thanks for your time Scott. We are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday.

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Minnesota Depth Chart For Sept. 29 at Iowa

OFFENSE

Left Tackle
58 - Ed Olson    6-7    312    R-Jr.
74 - Marek Lenkiewicz    6-5    281    R-So.
Left Guard
63 - Jon Christenson    6-4    288    R-Fr.
73 - Joe Bjorklund    6-5    293    R-Fr.
Center
52 - Zac Epping    6-2    306    R-So.
62 - Zach Mottla    6-2    287    R-Jr.
Right Guard
64 - Caleb Bak    6-3    294    R-So.
79 - Jonah Pirsig    6-9    295    Fr.
Right Tackle
65 - Josh Campion    6-5    309    R-Fr.
75 - Ernie Heifort    6-5    273    R-Fr.
Quarterback
11 - Max Shortell     6-6    237    So.
9 - Philip Nelson    6-2    222    Fr.
Tailback
20 - Donnell Kirkwood    5-10    219    R-So.
21 - James Gillum    5-11    204    Jr.
OR
4 - KJ Maye    5-10    190    Fr.
H-Back/Fullback
81 - John Rabe    6-4    258    Sr.
30 - Mike Henry    6-1    238    R-Jr.
Y
83 - Drew Goodger    6-5    255    So.
47 - Alex Bisch    6-6    249    R-So.
Z
14 - Isaac Fruechte     6-3    205    So.
OR
1 - Brandon Green    6-0    189    R-Sr.
X
80 - Devin Crawford-Tufts    6-2    194    So.
12 - Andre McDonald    6-2    200    Fr.
H
15 - Marcus Jones    5-8    172    So.
18 - Derrick Engel    6-2    182    R-Jr.

DEFENSE

End
98 - Michael Amaefula    6-2    242    So.
93 - Ben Perry    6-5    243    R-So.
Tackle
46 - Cameron Botticelli    6-5    284    R-So.
92 - Roland Johnson    6-1    295    Jr.
Nose
99 - Ra'Shede Hageman    6-6    301    R-Jr.
97 - Scott Ekpe    6-4    286    Fr.
End
95 - D.L. Wilhite    6-3    244    Sr.
55 - Thieren Cockran    6-6    237    R-Fr.
Strongside Linebacker
57 - Aaron Hill    6-2    228    R-Jr.
OR
32 - Lamonte Edwards    6-2    212    R-So.
8 - Spencer Reeves    6-2    234    Sr.
Middle Linebacker
26 - Mike Rallis    6-2    245    R-Sr.
1 - Brendan Beal    6-3    249    R-Jr.
Weakside Linebacker
4 - Keanon Cooper    6-0    220    R-Sr.
9 - James Manuel     6-2    210    Jr.
Cornerback
2 - Troy Stoudermire    5-10    195    Sr.
22 - Jeremy Baltazar    6-0    196    Jr.
Safety
13 - Derrick Wells    6-0    198    So.
7 - Damarius Travis    6-2    205    Fr.
Safety
27 - Cedric Thompson    5-10    199    So.
OR
21 - Brock Vereen    6-0    201    Jr.
6 - Grayson Levine    5-11    202    So.
Cornerback
23 - Michael Carter    5-11    189    Sr.
22 - Jeremy Baltazar    6-0    196    Jr.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker
39 - Jordan Wettstein    5-11    180    Sr.
OR
36 - Chris Hawthorne    6-6    198    Jr.
Punter
38 - Christian Eldred    6-3    190    So.
Long Snapper
48 - Jake Filkins    6-2    236    Jr.
96 - Dave Ramlet    6-2    237    R-So.
Holder
38 - David Schwerman    6-0    195    Sr.
Kick Returner
2 - Troy Stoudermire    5-10    195    Sr.
15 - Marcus Jones    5-8    172    So.
4 - KJ Maye    5-10    190    Fr.
Punt Returner
82 - A.J. Barker    6-1    191    Jr.

INJURY REPORT (For Sept. 29 at Iowa)

Brock Vereen, questionable
MarQueis Gray, out
Tommy Olson, out
Foster Bush, out
Martez Shabazz, out
Jamel Harbison, out for the season

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Five things you need to know about Minnesota at Iowa (GopherSports)

'Sota Social planned in Iowa, viewing party planned in Minnesota (GopherSports)

Gophers looking for three little piggies (ESPN.com)

There is an emphasis on trophy games (FSN)

An example of U coaches making a good decision to switch a players position (Star Tribune)

Defense has paved the way for the Gophers (Pioneer Press)

Is this Minnesota's year? (PennLive.com)

Quotable Gophers: emptying the game program (GopherSports)

Gophers pleased with Shortell's progress (1500 ESPN)

Floyd is on the line (Minnesota Daily)

Gophers hoping to #ProtectThePig (KFAN)

Turnaround is nothing new for Kill (Omaha World Herald)

Stoudermire still dangerous on kick returns (Cedar Rapids Gazette)

Are you headed to Iowa City this weekend to watch the Gophers and Hawkeyes battle for Floyd of Rosedale? If so, be sure to attend the 'Sota Social on Friday, Sept. 28, from 8-10 p.m. in the Rosewood Room at the Cedar Rapids Marriott.

During this Maroon-and-Gold filled two hours, there will be a visit from coach Kill, a raffle, photographs with Goldy, a spirit squad presentation and a lot of Minnesota fun. The event is free and open to all Gopher fans, so be sure to stop by.

If you are not traveling to Iowa for the game then there is no better place to watch the Gophers at Senser's in Roseville.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with kickoff scheduled for 11:01 a.m. A Pig Roast, along with breakfast and regular menu, will be available at 11 a.m. There will also be $2 Bloody Mary and Screwdrivers plus other great specials. In addition, there will be great prize giveaways during the game. There is no need to RSVP, just show up in your maroon and gold and be ready to eat and cheer.

Three home games - and three wins mind you - are in the books. Speaking of books, or game programs, here are some of the Gopher quotables that have run this year in our game-day publication.

Who is the worst singer on the team?

Harold Legania - "We got a lot of pretenders. The worst singers would have to be Mike Carter, Jeremy Baltazar and Donnell Kirkwood."

Max Shortell - "David Cobb without a doubt."

Kyle McAvoy - "Probably my brother Luke"

Dan Orseske - "That would probably be Donnell Kirkwood."

Jeremy Baltazar - "David Cobb by far."

Brock Vereen - "It's a tough competition but I think the winner is James Manuel."

Josh Campion - "Definitely Caleb Bak."

Aaron Hill - "I believe it's Mike Rallis."

Keanon Cooper - "We got a lot of guys on this team that can't sing and I'll admit I'm one of them but I'll go with Mike Carter. He swears he's like Trey Songz or Frank Ocean or somebody."

What position player would you want to take a field goal if need be?

Joe Bjorklund - "I would say probably Foster Bush. I think he would be good at that."

Troy Stoudermire - "I would have to go with MarQueis Gray."

Dan Orseske - "I'll say Max Shortell"

Brock Vereen - "Derrick Wells, sometimes after practice he will just punt on just for fun and he actually has a leg."

Who on the team Tweets too much and why?

Joe Bjorklund - "I'd say Keanon Cooper because he just tweets everything. It doesn't matter what it is he tweets no matter what."

Ed Olson - "I don't want to call anyone out. I just got Twitter so I'll have to check when I get back in."

MarQueis Gray - "Steve Montgomery. He thinks he's like a relationship therapist so he has to answer to everything."

Jonah Pirsig - "I don't know, I'd have to say Keanon Cooper."

Brock Vereen - "Steve Montgomery. All of his tweets are nonsense."

Keanon Cooper - "I've been hearing that people have been saying it's me, but I'd have to go with Steve Montgomery. I've been Tweeting for like two years now and he's only been tweeting for about a year and he's catching up. I've definitely laid back on Tweeting contrary to popular belief."

What was your favorite NFL Team growing up? And who your favorite player?

Peter Westerhaus - "The Vikings and Jared Allen. I just love the energy he brings and how hard he plays on defense."

Joe Bjorklund - "Chicago Bears were my favorite team and Joe Thomas was my favorite player. He's a Big Ten Player like me and I wear the same number as him."

MarQueis Gray - "My favorite team was the Pittsburgh Steelers and it still is today. I wasn't born in Pittsburgh but my dad was a Steelers fan and it kind of rubbed off on all of us. My favorite player is Big Ben, I have a lot of favorite players but I'll say Big Ben because he's the Steelers quarterback."

Isaac Hayes - "My favorite NFL team was probably the Vikings since they're the hometown team. Favorite player, that's a hard one, I'd have to go with Randy Moss, he was a pretty athletic guy."

Jonah Pirsig - "My favorite team was definitely the Minnesota Vikings. My favorite player was probably Steve Hutchinson just because he played in the Big Ten and was an offensive lineman."

Dan Orseske - "Chicago Bears and Brad Maynard."

Victor Keise - "My favorite team is the Philadelphia Eagles to this very day and my favorite player was Donovan McNabb."

Andre McDonald - "Favorite team was the Pittsburgh Steelers and my favorite player was Jerry Rice."

What is the best part of playing at TCF Bank Stadium?

Peter Westerhaus - "It's fun to play with teammates here, it's a great atmosphere, and I'm looking forward to getting it rocking with fans and get some wins."

Donnell Kirkwood - "Just the fans, excitement, and the energy."

MarQueis Gray - "Playing in front of our student section, all our fans, and our family members every Saturday. Plus we got that new scoreboard and the locker room."

Aaron Hill - "The best part is just the outdoor experience. Night games are probably the best I would say."

Keanon Cooper - "Just the environment and the weather changes. When it gets to the end of the season when it gets cold outside you have an advantage over the opponent. The last two years we won our last couple games at home and the weather has definitely been a part of that. Our fans come out to support us through whatever weather it is. When it gets to the end of November we definitely have that home field advantage."

What is your favorite saying from Coach Kill or one of the other coaches?

Peter Westerhaus - "I love it when coach Kill says 'You're as soft as ice cream.' He'll say that sometimes."

Joe Bjorklund - "You'll get an apple and a road map from Coach Kill."

Kyle McAvoy - "My favorite saying is probably from coach Limegrover  in reference to what he wants us to do as a defensive line and it's, "Total and utter annihilation."

Brock Vereen - "One that I can put on record? Just our team slogan from coach Kill, 'I hear what you say, I trust what you do.' It just defines us."

If you didn't play football what sport would you play?

Donnell Kirkwood - "I think I would box"

Ed Olson - "Probably baseball. I grew up playing baseball and I always loved pitching. It was a lot of fun, a lot of team camaraderie."

Troy Stoudermire - "I would probably run track because I'm really fast."

Caleb Bak - "I probably wouldn't be playing a sport."

Victor Keise - "Probably bowling. Nice and easy, laid back, can't go wrong."

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Kill previews Iowa (GopherSports)

Listen to coach Kill's Big Ten conference call (BTN.com)

AUDIO: Iowa-native John Rabe talks Shortell, playing in Iowa and being 4-0 (AudioBoo)

Records do not matter in a rivalry game (Star Tribune)

Gophers are tabbed a surprise team in the Big Ten (AP)

Maroon and Gold winning the turnover battle so far (ESPN.com)

Minnesota is in good shape heading into the Big Ten... (AP)

...but injuries always worry a coach (FSN)

Coach Kill has the Gophers 4-0 heading into league action (USA Today)

Shortell excited to play at Iowa (Pioneer Press)

Walk-ons performing well (Star Tribune)

Offense preparing for crowd noise in Iowa City (Pioneer Press)

Gophers do not want to give up Floyd (1500 ESPN)

Minnesota-Iowa rivalry made up of all kind of different things (Pioneer Press)

Coach Kill met with the media today to preview this weekend's Iowa game. You can watch a few of his highlights above and read a few of them below as well. You can also read a transcript of his entire press conference here. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz also met with the media today. You can read a transcript of his press conference here.

On his team so far this year...
"It's been a workman's effort.  It's gone to business each week.  That's what I hope to see today, bring your lunch pail and go to work every single day.

"To this point our players have come to work every single day.  They've come to work every single day and done what we've asked them to do.  If they continue it do that, we have a chance to be in some football games and have a chance to win.  If they don't, the results aren't near as good.  You don't get as lucky."

On the win against Syracuse...
"I thought we played more physical than we have since we have been here as a coaching staff.  No doubt about that, and I want to see more of that."

On injuries...
"MarQueis, we met with the training staff today and he's working to get better, but I don't anticipate him playing.  Tommy Olson got banged up and he's a big question mark for this week.  And Shabazz is still, we're hoping we can get him back off the off week." 

On Iowa's coach Ferentz...
"I think when I was at Southern Illinois I sent some coaches there, and you know, because throughout the country when you talk about people that run a great practice, he's always been known for running a tremendous practice.  And you know, when our guys came back, people said it's what you hear.  It's unbelievable.  The organization, the fundamentals, the technique that's coached at their school.  So that respect started a long time ago and has continued, and he's won a lot of football games."

On Iowa...
"They look just like Iowa always looks like.  Big, strong, physical, come downhill, hit you in the mouth.  Play good defense.  Keeps the ball in front of them.  They mix it up on you, and they are who they are.  They're very good, and we go to Iowa City to play on their turf.  So we have our work cut out for us, but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"We're not going to be able to miss two field goals.  We're not going to be able to have a touchdown pass called back or we're not going to win.  We have no room for error." 

On rivalry games...
"We talk from the day we come into two-a-day camp we talk about the rival games, every one of them.

"We don't approach anything differently, but we certainly talk about we're going to play a huge game.  

"I mean it's darn important to our fans.  It's darn important to our players.

"Believe me.  From the day I've walked in this door, our lettermen and people that have played through our history have visited with our kids about how important it is.

"It's important for our state as well as it is for Iowa."

On winning the turnover battle...
"You look at college football, the teams that win most times are the ones that have the plus columns in the turnovers.  If they don't turn it over and they get them.  I don't think there's any question that turnovers are a big key."

On his program...
"I think we've moved it forward for the period of time we've been here, but with that being said we're nowhere close to where we need to be.  Nowhere close."

On if he changes anything when preparing for a rivalry game...
"We haven't done anything different for the last 30 years of coaching.  I really hadn't changed a practice much since I coached at Webb City High School, believe it or not."

On the receiving corps...
"I think we gotta become more physical.  You become more physical at receiver, you get bigger plays and we had some runs in there that we could have busted out, and instead of being 10, 15 yard runs could be 40 yard runs.  So I challenged our receivers a little bit.  I said we're going to block better than we've been blocking."

On running back Donnell Kirkwood...
"He's worked hard.  I think Coach Klein will tell you he's put in all kinds of extra time of stretching and doing all the little things it takes to stay healthy.  So I give him all the credit.  And I think his mindset is good and he's playing with some confidence."

On his young safeties...
"They've got bigger and stronger.  They're smart.  They run fast.  They make plays."

"Those were good moves moving them to safety and how we recruited.  I mean we got lucky, I guess, but it's proved out to be pretty good because they're doing well, and plus we got two young safeties in there that haven't seen a lot of time." 

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