Gophers without Tyler Cooper, Za’Quan Bryan Saturday at Illinois
Anthony Smith #0 and Jack Henderson #20 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers react after sacking Ethan Garbers #4 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at Rose Bowl on October 12, 2024 in Pasadena, California. ((Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS - The University of Minnesota football team is at Illinois on Saturday seeking its fourth straight Big Ten win, and they’ll be without a starting offensive linemen and two starting secondary players.
The Gophers have listed Tyler Cooper, Za’Quan Bryan and Darius Green all as out for Saturday’s game.
Why it matters
Cooper is a sixth-year senior who started 11 games last season, and had made all eight starts this year. Without him at left guard, P.J. Fleck must shuffle his offensive line rotation with Quinn Carroll, Phillip Daniels, Ashton Beers and possibly Tony Nelson. Cooper is reportedly in the concussion protocol.
Bryan had a pass break-up in last week’s win over Maryland. Green has been battling injuries much of the season, but takes on several different roles and positions within the defense.
By the numbers
With a win Saturday, the Gophers can earn bowl eligibility with a 6-3 record. They can also improve to 4-2 in Big Ten play. The Gophers are seeking their fourth straight win, and Fleck has never beaten Bret Bielema. He’s 0-8 against Illinois, and Minnesota is 0-10 against Bielema going back to his days at Wisconsin.