The Gophers played without their top running back against Michigan State on Saturday.

Darius Taylor was listed as out on Minnesota’s unavailability report before kickoff at Huntington Bank Stadium. The junior from Detroit picked up an undisclosed injury before the Iowa loss last weekend and played only three snaps against the Hawkeyes.

Minnesota also played without role-playing receivers Logan Loya and Kenric Lanier against the Spartans. Loya also missed the Iowa game, while Lanier’s issue is new.

The Spartans had a litany of their own issues, going without their top tailback Makhi Frazier and fourth-leading receiver Christon McCary.

The Gophers' defense played without defensive backs Garrison Monroe and Mike Gerald; they have been dealing with ailments for weeks.

For Taylor, this wil

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