Run-heavy Gophers take win streak to Northwestern

EVANSTON, Ill. — Two season-ending injuries at running back have not derailed Minnesota’s season thanks to a talented freshmen duo and a powerful offensive line. “We’re going to have to play really clean football to put ourselves in a position to compete in the game.” COACHING THEM UP The Gophers have been praising the work by running backs coach Kenni Burns, who also carries the title of assistant head coach, to help the freshmen seamlessly step into such prominent roles after the injuries to Ibrahim and Potts. “He’s been with me an awful long time and is a huge part of our program and our culture, and he’s doing a fabulous job with those guys,” Fleck said. “All we’ve been talking about is just getting better every single day,” Burns said. “We’ve got a veteran offensive line, some veteran tight ends, and all we’ve got to do is just keep getting better and catching up to them and doing our job and this thing will work itself out.” BACK HOME Wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell, one of 13 Illinois natives on the roster for the Gophers, smiled this week as he described “battling” with Irving, center John Michael Schmitz and the other Illinoisans to claim tickets for family members planning to attend the game.