Injuries, youth and COVID-19 positives left an already inexperienced defense without answers on Saturday.

In a game to claim the Little Brown Jug, Minnesota failed to stop Michigan’s rushing attack from start to finish.

The Gophers will be without two starters on the offensive line, with Curtis Dunlap Jr. and Daniel Faalele inactive against Michigan.

The two ranked rivals will face off Saturday for the Little Brown Jug and significant momentum towards the Big Ten Championship.

The Gophers face an early test right away against No. 18 Michigan in a shortened, conference-only 2020 football season.

Three seasons ago was the beginning of the “Row the Boat” era under P.J. Fleck.

While there will be plenty of differences this season, head coach P.J. Fleck said the football is still real as long as they are on the playing field.

The junior linebacker is ready to step up as the Gophers’ next staple at the position.

After visiting the University for the first time ever last year, ESPN College GameDay will return for the Gophers first game of the 2020 season.

Head coach P.J. Fleck has not said who is still contemplating whether to return to the team.