A Gophers defense already short on experience will start the season without senior safety Kyle Theret. Theret and offensive lineman Dom Alford are suspended from Thursday’s game against Middle Tennessee State in Murfreesboro, Tenn., head coach Tim Brewster announced Tuesday. Theret’s suspension began in March, indefinitely, when he was arrested on drunk driving charges. Alford violated unspecified rules, according to Brewster, who wouldn’t say how long either suspension will last. Senior defensive back Kim Royston, who broke his leg in the offseason, likely won’t play Thursday, either, meaning the Gophers starting defense likely won’t have anyone with collegiate starting experience.