Injury report: Three Gophers' starters banged up heading into USC game

Minnesota's defense will need some players to step up against the Trojans

Sep 14, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Maverick Baranowski (6) poses for a photo after the game against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images / Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Gophers are banged up heading into their matchup with No. 11-ranked USC. Starting linebacker Maverick Baranowski is out while starting cornerback Justin Walley and starting defensive lineman Jalen Logan-Redding are questionable.

With No. 2 #Gophers starting ILB Maverick Baranowski OUT tonight against USC, expect Devon Williams to fill in.

Underclassmen Tyler Stolsky and Joey Gerlach will likely rotate in special packages at the No. 3 spot. pic.twitter.com/o41ums0NVC

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) October 5, 2024

Baranowski has started every game this season alongside Cody Lindenberg at the inside linebacker position. He is a tough loss for Minnesota's defense, but expect veteran Devon Williams to fill his spot, with underclassmen Tyler Stolsky and Joey Gerlach rotating at the No. 3 role.

Minnesota's top cornerback Walley is questionable, but he has missed each of the last two games since he was injured late in the Gophers' Week 3 win over Nevada. He has started 35 career games in his Gophers' career and played nearly 2,000 total snaps. He could bring a much-needed veteran presence to the secondary against talented USC quarterback Miller Moss and their talented passing game.

Logan-Redding was dinged up in Minnesota's loss to Michigan. Interior defensive line might be the Gophers' weakest position group when it comes to depth, so his status will be one to follow. A mixture of Darnell Jeffries and Logan Richter would likely step in if he's not able to go.

USC lays claim to one of the most explosive offenses in college football, but the Gophers will be a little hobbled heading into the matchup.