Minnesota gained just 13 rushing yards against Mississippi State, where running back Darius Taylor left with an injury. He missed last week’s 41-7 win over Akron, and his availability for the Big Ten opener at Washington is uncertain.
Through three games, Minnesota is averaging 37.7 points and 394 total yards per game. But three of its touchdowns came on special teams or defense—two punt returns against Eastern Illinois and a fumble return against Mississippi State—and the Gophers scored no offensive touchdowns in the 38-13 Mississippi State loss.
Quarterback Drake Lindsey is 67-of-103 for 747 yards, four touchdowns and one interception through three games. Minnesota runs the ball 24 times per game and on fewer than 40% of its plays. The preview identifies Taylor’s availability as a key variable: if he is out or limited and Washington stops the run, the Gophers may rely heavily on Lindsey against a Huskies defense allowing fewer than 3 yards per carry and averaging 2.67 sacks per game.
