There were two main objectives going into the Gophers’ final nonconference game of the season on Saturday:

1. Beat Nevada. 2. Avoid any serious injuries going into the rivalry game against Iowa next week.

The U completed the first goal with a 27-0 win over the Wolf Pack at Huntington Bank Stadium, but they weren’t so fortune with the second aim.

Top cornerback Justin Walley suffered a right knee injury in the first half and didn’t return.

Walley limped off the field and went into the injury tent midway through the first half. He then put on a brace and attempted to test out his knee, but didn’t play again. He changed out his pads at halftime and was seen limping along the sideline in the second half.

Given the attempt to come back, the hope for the U is Walley being scratched is a precautionary step going into the Battle for Floyd of Rosedale next Saturday in Minneapolis.

Walley is the U’s best cover corner, producing a 70-yard interception return in the 19-17 loss to North Carolina. Walley also had a pick in the 12-10 win over the Hawkeyes in Iowa City last October.

Without Walley, the Gophers turned to second-year corner Zaquon Bryan to play opposite Ethan Robinson.

The Gophers, however, did have two secondary members return on Saturday: safety Darius Green and nickel back Jai’Onte’ McMillan played. Green missed the first two games, while McMillan came back after getting hurt against the Tar Heels.

But on Robinson’s interception in the fourth quarter, he collided with safety Aidan Gousby, who was favoring his left shoulder and went into the injury tent.

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