Minnesota is without 22 players, three staff members and is coming off a 35-7 loss to Iowa one week ago. None of that seems to be bothering the Golden Gophers on Friday night.

Despite all the obstacles, Minnesota owns a 21-10 advantage on Purdue through the first two quarters of the game. That’s also with Rondale Moore suiting up for the Boilermakers, as well.

Positive COVID-19 tests, contact tracing and injuries kept 22 players and three staff members off the sidelines for this week’s game for the Gophers. But things are clicking on both sides of the ball for P.J. Fleck’s squad.

Mohamed Ibrahim piled up 75 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown, while Cam Wiley and Seth Green accounted for the other two rushing touchdowns for the Golden Gophers. Tanner Morgan completed 10-of-15 yards for 152 yards. Chris Autman-Bell was the team’s leading receiver with 75 yards on 3 catches.

Minnesota’s defense held Purdue to just 37 rushing yards on 12 attempts, a 3.1 yards per carry average. The Gophers also blocked a field goal attempt at the end of the half, keeping the game a two-possession contest.

Purdue is coming off its first loss of the season, falling 27-20 to Northwestern last week. The Boilers are in danger of dropping two in a row, while Minnesota is looking to notch its second win of the season.