Notable Minnesota starters out Saturday night, Michigan missing pass catcher

After a week of rumors that Minnesota could be without some major contributors on Saturday night, the news was confirmed by those at TCF Stadium for the game between the Gophers and Michigan Wolverines.

Via Yahoo’s Pete Thamel:

Minnesota starting kicker (Michael Lantz), punter (Mark Crawford) and kickoff specialist (Dragan Kesich) will be unavailable for the game against Michigan, sources told Yahoo Sports, putting the unit’s special teams at a significant disadvantage.

No. 21 Minnesota will also be missing multiple key position players. The starting right side of Minnesota’s offensive line – tackle Daniel Faalele and guard Curtis Dunlap. Jr. – will not be available. Starting linebacker Braelen Oliver and reserve defensive back (Phillip Howard) will also be unavailable.

The right side of the offensive line and the kicking game being altered for the Gophers might be a pretty big deal. We will see how it affects the game, but this really seems as if it swings momentum in Michigan’s favor.

The Wolverines appear to be without tight end Nick Eubanks on Saturday night, as he was not spotted by reporters at the stadium during warmups. Starting linebacker Cam McGrone was also spotted with a cast on his left hand.

Kickoff is just around the corner. We’ve made it, everyone.