Already down their starting quarterback, PJ Fleck's Gophers will be without six more key starters in Tuesday's bowl game.
Minnesota will be without All-American First Team safety Tyler Nubin and fellow Senior Bowl invitee tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford. Both Nubin and Spann-Ford were expected to miss Tuesday's game as they prepare for the NFL draft, as well as receiver Chris Autman-Bell is also out.
Nubin had five interceptions for the Gophers this season, on top of 53 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. Spann-Ford caught 25 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. The 6-foot-7 tight end finished his Gopher career with 95 catches for 1,061 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Gophers will also be missing their other starting safety in Darius Green. The sophomore had 51 tackles and a 53.4 defensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
Elsewhere on the defense, Minnesota will be without 104 total tackles with sophomore linebacker Devon Williams and freshman linebacker Maverick Baranowski out for Tuesday's Quick Lane Bowl.
The Gophers however are expected to see leading rusher Darius Taylor return to action after missing the previous five games with a leg injury. Taylor rushed for 591 yards and four touchdowns on 103 carries before his injury in the team's Week 7 win over Iowa.
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