Count Down to the Gopher Opener

CHICAGO (AP) -- Minnesota will have cornerback KiAnte Hardin available on Thursday night when the Gophers face Oregon State. Coach Tracy Claeys talked about Minnesota's injury situation on a Big Ten conference call with the media yesterday. Hardin, a sophomore, has missed some time due to an unspecified injury and was not listed on the official depth chart for the Beavers game.

He's been competing with redshirt freshman Ray Buford at the spot opposite senior Jalen Myrick, with both starters from last year currently with NFL teams: Eric Murray and Briean Boddy-Calhoun.

Tight end Brandon Lingen (shoulder) and running back Shannon Brooks (foot) are two key players who could be on the sideline for the opener, however.

All Gopher games can be heard on 1340 KROC AM, starting time Thursday night is 7 o'clock with the pre-game. Mike Grimm and Rochester's Darrel Thompson will have the coverage on the game, scheduled for an 8 o'clock kickoff from TCF Bank Stadium.