Gophers down seven starters for Duke’s Mayo Bowl – Twin Cities

On By Littum

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Gophers will be without seven starters for Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Virginia Tech at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, but that’s about half of what the Hokies will be without.

Minnesota had six players opt out in preparation for the NFL: receiver Daniel Jackson, cornerback Justin Walley, offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery, defensive end Jah Joyner and linebacker Cody Lindenberg. They were listed as out on the team’s unavailable list starting two hours before kickoff.

On the other hand, Virginia Tech has 13 starters who played in their regular season-ending win over Virginia due to a combination of players leaving for the NFL, the transfer portal and injuries.

The U also had a starting offensive tackle, Phillip Daniels transfer to Ohio State, and guard Tyler Cooper is listed as out Friday, so the Gophers are down three starting offensive linemen against the Hokies. Quinn Carroll is expected to go to left tackle, with Martes Lewis likely coming in at right tackle.

Ashton Beers is also expected to be in the mix. Tony Nelson and Nathan Roy may also see time.

“We didn’t get a lot of players going into the portal,” Gophers coach PJ Fleck said Thursday. “But we have some guys who are going to play in the NFL (who) have opted out of the game, rightfully so. But they’re here with us and enjoying the week and being around their teammates. I think we have a really connected team that love to play soccer.”

Backup running back Marcus Major is also out; the one-year Oklahoma transfer had 352 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 12 regular-season games.

Minnesota will also be without long-term injured players in safety Darius Green and tight end Pierce Walsh. Kicker David Kemp is also out.

Given the absences, the bowl game could be a good opportunity for younger players to step up. Fleck on Thursday mentioned a few younger players who stood out in the build-up to the bowl: Roy, receiver Donielle “Nuke” Hayes, linebacker Mason Carrier and backup quarterback Drake Lindsey.

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A Gophers official estimated 5,000 to 7,000 Minnesota fans would be in attendance for the bowl game.