The New Mexico Lobos and the Minnesota Golden Gophers did not do enough to make it to the College Football Playoff. However, they did secure a bowl game and will compete in the Rate Bowl at Chase Field in Phoenix on Friday. This will be the first meeting between the two teams, so this matchup should be quite interesting.
Golden Gophers head coach PJ Fleck is still undefeated in bowl games since taking over at Minnesota, but New Mexico will come in with a much better record at 9-3. The Golden Gophers finished the season at 7-5, and many are wondering if the Lobos could stop Fleck’s Bowl-winning streak in Phoenix.
Rate Bowl: New Mexico vs. Minnesota Opt-Outs And Injury Report
New Mexico Lobos
- Michael Buckley, WR: injured, out
- Richard Pearce, OG: injured, questionable
- Xavier Slayton, DL: injured, questionable
- Abraham Williams, CB: injured, out
- Drew Speech, S: injured, questionable
No opt-outs for the Lobos ahead of the Rate Bowl, with Speech, Slayton and Pearce all having a good chance to play. Defensive end Keyshawn James-Newby is considered a potential opt-out for Friday, but could play.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Fame Ijeboi, RB: Opted out, transfer portal
- AJ Turner, RBL: injured, out
- Malchi Coleman, WR: Opted out, transfer portal
- Kenric Lanier II, WR: Opted out, transfer portal
- Marcellus Marshall, OG: injured, questionable
- Matt Kingsbury, LB: injured, out
- Za’Quan Bryan, injured, out
With head coach PJ Fleck’s undefeated streak at bowl games on the line, three Minnesota Golden Gophers players have already announced that they are opting out of Friday’s Rate Bowl. AJ Turner is out for the season, and a few players have a low chance of playing.
There are some potential opt-outs, including WR Le’Meke Brockington (declared for the NFL draft), RB Darius Taylor, DT Deven Eastern, DE Anthony Smith and LB Devon Williams, but their statuses have not been made official yet. Brockington is expected to opt out; he has not yet done so officially.
Related:
Bryce Underwood Transfer Portal Update: Top 3 Destinations for Michigan’s Five-Star Freshman
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
