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Minnesota confirms star offensive piece will miss season opener vs. UNC
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Minnesota and North Carolina will square off in a Thursday night season opener in Minneapolis. A game that has already been delayed due to severe weather will also be missing one of the star offensive pieces on the side of the Golden Gophers.
When Minnesota released Thursday’s status report, star running back Darius Taylor was officially ruled out for the game. Taylor was Minnesota’s leading rusher a season ago in spite of being limited to 6 games.
One bit of good news for Minnesota did come in the form of Daniel Jackson. The team’s leading receiver last season, Jackson was not listed on the status report and will be active in the game.
Taylor finished his freshman season with 799 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, including 3 games with at least 190 rushing yards. Minnesota was 4-2 in games that Taylor was active while going 2-5 without the star running back.
Missing Taylor will be a blow for PJ Fleck’s squad, especially with the way the Gophers like to emphasize the ground game on offense. It also puts added pressure on Max Brosmer, the talented FCS quarterback transfer who will be making his first start for Minnesota.
Jackson led the team with 831 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. No other player on the Gophers reached 400 receiving yards during the 2023 season.
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Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
