Alex Hickey: Replacing WR Chris Autman-Bell will define Minnesota's season

Minnesota hasn't won a Big Ten championship in 55 years. The Gophers finished in a 3-way tie with Purdue and Indiana in 1967, but Indiana won the championship and the Rose Bowl. Last season, star running back Mohamed Ibrahim was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. This season the Gopher's offense is struggling, because wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell is out for this season. Minnesota is 3 games into the Big 10 season and scoring 49.7 points per game.

Chris Autman-Bell is a key player for the Gophers offense. He has been playing with Rashod Bateman since the start of last season. Aut man has accounted for 23.7% of Minnesota’s receptions, 27.5% and 43.8% receiving yards and is 5th in the Big Ten with an average of 19. 5 yards per catch this season, and he is one of the best people on the team.

Mike Brown-Stephens is the new No. 2 wide receiver for Minnesota. Chris Autman-Bell is injured and it's time for Dylan Wright to step up. Brevyn Spann-Ford is second on the team in receptions. La’Meke Brockington is a freshman. Minnesota needs to live up to coach Chris Fleck's mantra. The Gophers should have the depth to handle this. They must row ahead and prove it. It's the most impactful loss for any Big Ten team this season. This is it for the second straight September. Minnesota's team needs the players to perform well.