In new norm, Minnesota, Virginia Tech were short normal starters for bowl game

GOPHERS FOOTBALL REPORT

Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) hands off to running back Darius Taylor (1) during Friday’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Virginia Tech at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. Brosmer, in his final collegiate game, and Taylor set team records during the win. JARED C. TILTON — GETTY IMAGES

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By Andy Greder

agreder@pioneerpress.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. >> The Gophers played without seven starters in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Virginia Tech, but that is roughly half of what the Hokies were without at Bank of America Stadium on Friday.

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 started two hours before kickoff.

On the other side, Virginia Tech has 13 starters from 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 starting offensive tackle Phillip Daniels transfer to Ohio State, and guard Tyler Cooper was out Friday, so the Gophers needed three new starting offensive linemen against the Hokies.

Veteran Quinn Carroll moved to left tackle, left guard Tony Nelson made his first career start, Greg Johnson remained at center, Ashton Beers was right guard and Martes Lewis stepped in at right tackle.

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

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

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

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

More than one

Gophers athletics director Mark Coyle told the KFAN pregame show that multiple programs were after defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman after he took Minnesota back into the top 20 in the nation in multiple statistical categories in 2024. Rutgers, where Hetherman was a linebacker coach before coming to the U, pursued Hetherman in December.

Hetherman received a $150,000 annual raise and $200,000 retention bonuses for 2025 and 2026.

Briefly

Longtime Gophers booster Bill McReavy Sr. passed away at age 92 on Dec. 23. The leader of Washburn-McReavy Funeral Homes was a financial booster, advertiser and passionate fan. “He will be greatly missed,” Coyle said on the radio. ... One Gophers official estimated 5,000 to 7,000 Minnesota fans would be in attendance at the bowl game. Approximately 15,000 were at the UCLA game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif., in October. ... Former Vikings and current Panthers receiver Adam Thielen attended the bowl game wearing some maroon and gold Row The Boat gear.