Minnesota Gopher FB Team Makes Some Changes

The Minnesota Gopher football team has made some lineup changes as they prepare to face Miami of Ohio this Saturday at 11 a.m. The Gophers are hoping to bounce back from a heartbreaking 32-31 overtime loss to Bowling Green last week. Head coach Tim Brewster talked about the lineup changes during his weekly Tuesday press conference.

Tight end Jack Simmons, who caught two passes for nine yards in the opener, is listed as day-to-day with a toe injury. He played in the first half against Bowling Green, but spent the second half on the sideline with a boot on his foot. He did not practice Tuesday. If he is unable to play, former walk-on Nick Tow-Arnett will start. Tow-Arnett hauled in a 56-yard pass from Adam Weber.

Matt DeGeest, who made his third start of his college career at right tackle, will split time with redshirt freshman Dominic Alford.

Nedward Tavale, who split time at right guard with D.J. Burris, will start at left guard with Ryan Ruckdashel moving to the bench. Burris was praised for his play against Bowling Green by head coach Tim Brewster.

Freshman running back Duane Bennett is expected to see an expanded role, and Brewster hopes to give him 10 to 12 carries. Bennett had one carry for seven yards in the opener. Jay Thomas, who did not have a rushing attempt, is expected to get more playing time as they will lighten the load of Amir Pinnix (26 carries) and quarterback Adam Weber (18 attempts).

Harold Howell, who had one kickoff return for 22 yards and four punt returns for 30 yards, will be more involved with the passing attack at the wide receiver spot.

Second-string left cornerback Mike Chambers has been moved back to wide receiver. Chambers had 19 receptions for 231 yards as a freshman. Michael McKelton will move up to second team.

True freshman Ryan Collado will start at right cornerback. He replaced Desi Steib early in the Bowling Green game. Collado had five tackles.

Reserve left defensive end Derrick Onwauchi is listed as day-to-day with an ankle sprain. He did not practice Tuesday.