big joe

The Minnesota Golden Gophers might not be standing too tall in the annual Battle for Paul Bunyan?s Axe.

With injuries to two of the Gophers? backfield stars, books have yet to open a line on Saturday?s game against the Wisconsin Badgers. Tailback Laurence Maroney has been listed as questionable with an arm injury, while starting quarterback Brian Cupito?s shoulder has him listed as probable.

While Cupito is expected to play Saturday, losing Maroney, a Heisman Trophy candidate, would be a huge blow to the Gophers offense. The junior leads the Big Ten in rushing with 875 yards and is fourth in touchdowns with seven.


?It?s a good three, 4-point move,? says linesmaker Michael Pierce. ?Minnesota would probably be 1-point (home) underdogs if Maroney doesn?t play. If he does, I could see them being three, 3 ½-point favorites.?

Despite the big action that often comes with big games, the books stand pat in their decision not to set a line.

?We would probably hold off until late Friday if need be,? says Pierce. ?Maroney is an impact player in this game. His status is important not only to (the books), but to Minnesota. The Gophers will hold off on the announcement as long as they can.?

Minnesota will face a Wisconsin defense that allowed 674 total yards to Northwestern last week, including 316 on the ground. The Badgers fell 51-48 as 6 ½-point favorites.

?If Maroney plays, his matchup against Wisconsin?s defense would be a reason to look at this game,? says Covers Expert David ********. ?They?ve got a little bit of depth at the (running back) position, but he?s the catalyst in the offense.?

Maroney?s backup is Gary Russell. The sophomore has run for 505 yards on just 66 carries and a team-best eight touchdowns.

?When you?re talking about getting those hard yards, Maroney?s the guy,? says ********. ?Russell?s been great coming in here and there, but he?s never even had 20 carries in a game.?

Only has opened a total for the game, setting the number at 58 ½.