Minnesota Gophers DT Scott Ekpe out for season
The Minnesota Gophers opened up their 2014 season on Thursday night last week, and they did so to the tune of a commanding 42-20 victory over the Eastern Illinois Panthers. While the victory was a dominant defensive effort, the Gophers were given a crushing blow on Tuesday. Starting defensive tackle Scott Ekpe has been lost for the season.
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A junior, Scott Ekpe suffered an injury during the game against the Panthers and it was confirmed today that he has torn his anterior cruciate ligament, effectively ending his season.
Marcus Fuller of the Pioneer Press spoke with Jerry Kill about the situation. Kill said, “That’s a major blow. Tough deal for Scott. Great kid. He’ll work hard (to get back).”
Ekpe was coming off a solid sophomore season in which he recorded 19 tackles for the Gophers.
Cameron Botticelli, senior defensive tackle for the Gophers, said, “Scott Ekpe was going to outwork anybody you put across from him. But I wouldn’t say we’re going to be missing that, because we’ve been able to develop some depth, albeit young depth. But we’ve been able to develop a lot of players behind him.”
Minnesota is looking to get off to a 2-0 start as they take on Middle Tennessee on Saturday from TCF Bank Stadium. Coming off a season in which they won eight games, the Gophers will be pushing for a double-digit win tally in 2014. Another strong showing against a non-conference opponent will continue to set the stage for that to take place.
Kickoff on Saturday is set for 2:30pm central time.