Two nuggets of news coming out of the Gophers’ first bowl-preparation practice Wedensday:

1) Junior wide receiver Eric Decker will undergo surgery on his left knee before the bowl game, and will be back in time to play on Dec. 31. Adam Weber had a similar surgery earlier this season, and lead the team over Illinois the next week.

2) Sophomore reciever Ralph Spry, along with redshirt freshmen Andre Tate’ (running back) and Jimmy Thompson (receiver) are leaving the program.

Spry, a one-time starter, was suspsended two weeks for breaking team rules this season, ands his playing time dwindled.