COLUMBUS, Ohio — After a two-game absence, Gophers top running back Darius Taylor returned to play No. 1 Ohio State on Saturday night.

The Gophers unavailability report listed two safeties as out — Aidan Gousby and Garrison Monroe — for the prime-time game against the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium.

Taylor is the U’s most dynamic tailback, and the 6-foot, 215-pound junior missed the Rutgers and California games due to an apparent hamstring injury suffered early in the 66-0 win over Northwestern (La.) State on Sept. 6.

Taylor’s return is welcomed after Minnesota rushed for only 35 yards on 18 carries in the 31-28 win over Rutgers last weekend. Fame Ijeboi has 12 carries for 37 yards, and Cam Davis had three totes for eight yards.

Taylor has 33 carries for 161 yards and caught five passes

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