Minnesota to be without 20 players for Friday game vs. Purdue

The Minnesota Golden Gophers will be without nearly the equivalent of an entire starting lineup for a Friday night Big Ten showdown versus the Purdue Boilermakers. 

According to Megan Ryan of the Star Tribune, 20 Minnesota players are unable to suit up against Purdue because of positive COVID-19 tests, subsequent quarantines, and injuries. Additionally, offensive line coach Brian Callahan and two other coaches are isolating and won't attend Friday's contest. 

Minnesota starting defensive back Benjamin St-Juste tested positive ahead of last Friday's game against the Iowa Hawkeyes that the Gophers lost 35-7 and isn't eligible to face Purdue. 

In total, Minnesota dropped three of its first four games of the pandemic-altered campaign, with the program's only win coming against the 1-3 Illinois Fighting Illini on Nov. 7. 

Minnesota plays at the No. 10-ranked Wisconsin Badgers on Nov. 28. 

The Miami Hurricanes were without 13 players due to coronavirus-related issues last weekend but nevertheless managed to beat the Virginia Tech Hokies 25-24. Miami is now off until at least Dec. 5, and Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz confirmed on Friday morning that he tested positive for COVID-19.