Purdue football vs Minnesota: Aidan O’Connell injury, Big Ten preview

Purdue and Minnesota are playing each other on Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

Quarterback Aidan O'Connell is injured. King Doerue, Jalen Graham, Broc Thompson, Cam Craig, Elijah Canion and Abdur-Rahmaan-Yaseen are also out. Thompson and Craig could be out for an extended period of time.

Minnesota is favored by 12.5 points against Purdue. The Gophers are 4-0 against the number. Purdue is 2-7 as a double-digit underdog under Brohm.

Purdue plays an earlier game at Minnesota on Saturday. The last six games have been played in mid to late October or November. Last win at the Minnesota was 15 years ago.

Mitchell Fineran has missed two of his last three field goal attempts. Ben Freehill is out with an injury. Chris Van Eekeren, Julio Macias and Caleb Krockover are the other options.

Purdue's plan is to play Michael Alaimo late in the first quarter or second quarter if Austin Burton starts at quarterback. Alais played three snaps against Florida Atlantic. Brian Brohm, the program's co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, said Alis had his best practice since he's been here.

Jacob Wahlberg forced a fumble against Florida Atlantic. He is seeing more playing time since Graham is sidelined. Purdue's defense needs bigger bodies to help slow down Big Ten running teams like Minnesota.