Minnesota travels to Indiana to face 1,336-yard rushing attack
The Gophers meet the defending national champions in a Week 9 matchup that features two running backs averaging over five yards per carry.
By Michael Bennett ·
The University of Minnesota Gophers travel to Indiana on Thursday to face a rushing attack that has already accumulated 1,336 yards this season. The matchup pits the fifth-ranked Gophers against the defending national champions, a contest that serves as a test for a team that has three other ranked opponents remaining on its schedule.
Minnesota entered the week following a 13-10 victory over Iowa. The Gophers have played the defending national champion in each of the last three seasons. They lost to Michigan in 2024 and Ohio State in 2025. Their last win over Indiana occurred in 2021, when Minnesota took a 35-14 decision.
Indiana’s ground game is anchored by Turbo Richard and Lee Beebe Jr. Both players average more than five yards per carry. Their combined production forces Minnesota’s defensive line to adjust to a dual-threat style. Defensive coordinator Danny Collins described the pair as patient runners with exceptional acceleration. He noted that they understand their scheme and play effectively off one another.
The Hoosiers also possess a potent passing game. Quarterback Josh Hoover has thrown for 1,741 yards with 18 touchdowns and one interception this year. Indiana’s defense is led by Tobi Osunsanmi, who holds the Big Ten lead with nine sacks. Osunsanmi recorded two sacks in a 13-6 win over Michigan. The Gophers’ offensive line must limit his impact to allow their offense to operate.
Minnesota’s secondary faces a specific challenge in cornerback Charlie Becker. Becker has 726 receiving yards this season and is projected as an eighth overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. On the Gopher side, kicker Luke Drzewiecki remains perfect on field goal and extra point attempts. He kicked a 46-yard field goal to beat Iowa and was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week.
Defensive lineman TJ Bush Jr. has four sacks and his first career interception. Bush Jr. stated that both teams approach each game with a 1-0 mindset. He described Indiana as a technical and sound team that avoids self-inflicted errors. Bush Jr. said the upcoming contest will be a true test for the Gophers.
Head coach P.J. Fleck called the next six weeks the hardest schedule in the country. He noted that the Gophers have completed one game in that stretch and have five remaining. The team will travel to Indiana for the game, which is set to appear on ESPN’s College Game Day.
The Gophers are 5-2 overall with one loss in Big Ten play to Purdue. Their remaining schedule includes UCLA, Northwestern, and Wisconsin. Fleck acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming slate and emphasized the need for the team to continue challenging itself to improve.
