FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- With two injuries, the Gophers' defense turned to third-string safety Adekunle Ayinde for his first career start in Saturday's 23-20 overtime win over Colorado State.
"He played well," Gophers coach Jerry Kill said. "A walk-on kid from Blaine that paid his dues and stepped up when he needed to."
Ayinde had four tackles, contributed to a tackle for loss and had a pass breakup as he replaced starting safety Damarius Travis and backup Ace Rogers. Travis was out with a hurt hamstring, and Rogers was out with a knee injury.
The Gophers' depleted defensive backfield got a break with Rams All-America wide receiver Rashard Higgins was out with a foot sprain.