In the Quick Lane Bowl, the Minnesota Gophers faced challenges with their defense as key players in their back seven, including Dev Williams and Maverick Baranowski, were out, likely leading to Tyler Stolsky stepping in. Kerry Brown was also expected to get his first career start at SS. Despite these setbacks, the Gophers welcomed the return of running back Darius Taylor, who had not played since November 1 due to a leg injury, and his impact was immediate. Taylor amassed 208 rushing yards on 34 carries and scored a touchdown, which was instrumental in Minnesota securing a 30-17 lead with just over 8 minutes remaining in the game. Bowling Green's offense was also impacted by the absence of their leading rusher, Terion Stewart. Head coach P.J. Fleck's decision to keep Taylor in a Gophers uniform was validated as his performance proved crucial for the team's victory over Bowling Green.
🗣️ Nobody can stop Darius Taylor‼️ Here are some of the highlights from the Minnesota freshman RB's career-high 208-yard day on the ground. ⤵️ @Dariustay1or x @GopherFootball https://t.co/FdWlQsuSRj
Keeping Darius Taylor in a #Gophers uniform and out of the portal was such a huge victory for Fleck, who likely doesn't win this bowl game without Taylor's 208 yards rushing today vs. Bowling Green.
Darius Taylor over 200 rushing yards, and the first down. Minnesota will now kneel it out.
Darius Taylor Wildcat TD. 34 carries for 198 yards and that score. Greg Johnson and Lemeke Brockington with huge blocks on that play. Minnesota leads 30-17 with 8:03 remaining.
Fleck uses his first timeout to think over this 4th and a short 2. Darius Taylor has eight of the first nine touches on this drive.
Bowling Green RB Terion Stewart, the team's leading rusher, is not dressed for the Quick Lane Bowl against @GopherFootball. He hasn't played since Nov. 1 because of a leg injury.
RB Darius Taylor set to return for @GopherFootball vs. Bowling Green in the Quick Lane Bowl, but four defensive starters are out. https://t.co/LJ3v3y9rIu
#Gophers availability report for the Quick Lane Bowl Darius Taylor returns but Minnesota's defense is hurting in their back seven Dev Williams and Maverick Baranowski are out, which likely means Tyler Stolsky I'd also bet on Kerry Brown getting his first career start at SS https://t.co/RO2CECtWDm