Video (00:52) : Gophers defensive end Theiren Cockran explains why he has high expectations for the defense, during Friday's Big Ten Media Days in Chicago.

CHICAGO -- Jerry Kill said the Gophers have a plan for how to handle No. 2-ranked TCU in the season opener.

“We're going to bring in a little artificial snow, and see how they handle that snow in September,” Kill said Friday during Big Ten Media Days.

Asked about his health, Kill said, “I've been seizure-free now for over a year and a half. I feel great.”

The Gophers went 8-5 last year and have to replace David Cobb, Maxx Williams, Zac Epping and Tommy Olson, among others, from their offense. But Kill said he “firmly believes” this team will be “more athletic” and “have more speed.”

On quarterback Mitch Leidner, Kill said, "I look for him to have an outstanding year. Certainly it starts there."

Kill said running back Berkley Edwards has gained about 12-13 pounds and now weighs 202. Kill is excited to see what Edwards does during training camp “because he’s got get-it-over speed.”

All eyes were on Jim Harbaugh, as he took the podium right after Kill. And Harbaugh quickly mentioned his respect for the fifth-year Minnesota coach: “My dad [Jack Harbaugh] has always said that Jerry Kill was one of the best coaches he coached against.”

Note: Kill also said he has no concerns about the university's athletics facilites project. "We'll be starting [digging] at the latest probably late September, early October. We've already got a finish date where it needs to be finished. ... We want it to be the state‑of‑the‑art. ... Hopefully, part of it will be finished at a year and a half, maybe even quicker."