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Minnesota true freshman running back Mar’Keise “Bucko” Irving has been named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after recording 19 carries for 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the Golden Gophers’ 41-14 win over the Northwestern Wildcats.
This @GopherFootball had a day! @BuckyIrving ran for two touchdowns and a career-high 110 yards earning him - 1 ! pic.twitter.com/enJXizZUWl
— Minnesota on BTN (@MinnesotaOnBTN) November 1, 2021
Irving has been thrust into a prominent role at running back for Minnesota, along with redshirt freshman Ky Thomas, after season-ending injuries to Mohamed Ibrahim and Try Potts. He had scored his first collegiate touchdown and rushed for 100+ yards for the first time the previous week against Maryland before exceeding both totals in a standout performance against the Wildcats. The highlight was a 41-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
In seven games this season, Irving has 66 carries for 355 rushing yards and three touchdowns.