The Gophers defense, which has given up an average of 500 yards per game in November, received some positive news before Saturday’s regular-season finale against Wisconsin at Huntington Bank Stadium when linebacker Devon Williams and cornerback John Nestor were not listed on the Big Ten’s availability report, meaning both were cleared to play.
Williams, Minnesota’s second-leading tackler, and Nestor, the Gophers’ leader in interceptions and pass breakups, missed last week’s 38-25 loss to Northwestern because of injuries. With those two Gophers starters out, the Wildcats amassed 525 yards of offense and rallied from a 15-point third-quarter deficit to win.
While Williams returned to the lineup, the Gophers were without his replacement last week, linebacker Matt Kingsbury, who was listed as out. Also out for Minnesota were defensive linemen Sam Macy and Theorin Randle, defensive backs Garrison Monroe and Sam Seidl, wide receiver Cristian Driver, kicker Sam Henson and offensive lineman Kahlee Tafai. Offensive lineman DJ Shipp was listed as questionable.
