Breaking: Tragic As Gophers without 2 key defenders

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-2, 0-1) face a challenging matchup against the 12th-ranked Michigan Wolverines (3-1, 1-0), and it will be even more difficult without two key defenders this Saturday morning. Defensive backs Justin Walley and Darius Green are listed as out on the Gophers’ availability report, creating a significant gap in Minnesota’s secondary.

Walley has appeared in three games this season, recording eight total tackles, one interception, and a pass defense. Meanwhile, Green stepped in for starter Aidan Gousby against Iowa last week and has contributed seven total tackles, including one sack, this season.

Although Gousby is not listed on the availability report, the Gophers will likely need everyone available to compete against Michigan. The Wolverines only threw for 32 yards in their victory over USC last week, but their rushing attack totaled 290 yards, with running back Kalel Mullings leading the way with 159 yards and two touchdowns against the Trojans.

Additionally, the Gophers might be missing an important blocker in the running game, as Jameson Geers is listed as questionable. Geers has recorded seven receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown in four games this season.

Meanwhile, the Wolverines have several players ruled out for the game against the Gophers, including:

Jaden Mangham

Micah Pollard

Rod Moore

Wesley Walker

Ja’Den McBurrows

Jordan Marshall

Leon Franklin

Bryson Kuzdzal

Jason Hewlett.

Four players are marked as questionable: Semaj Morgan, Josaiah Stewart, Will Johnson, and Greg Crippen. The Gophers are set to face the Wolverines in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday at 11 a.m., and the game will be aired on FOX.