AP photo Minnesota offensive lineman Blaise Andries (77) blocks against Ohio State in the third quarter of an NCAA football game on Sept. 2.

MINNEAPOLIS — The Big Ten announced all-conference performers on the offensive side of the ball Wednesday and the Gophers had seven players honored. All five of Minnesota’s starting offensive lineman were recognized with two earning All-Big Ten First Team distinction.

Leading the way were Daniel Faalele and Blaise Andries, who were both named All-Big Ten First Team. Faalele received the nod from the coaches, while Andries was honored by the media. The media placed Faalele on the Third Team and the coaches did the same with Andries.

The last time Minnesota had two offensive lineman named All-Big Ten First Team was 2005 when center Greg Eslinger and guard Mark Setterstrom received the honor.

Center John Michael Schmitz was named All-Big Ten Second Team by the coaches and Third Team by the media. Conner Olson was slotted on the Third Team by the coaches and was an Honorable Mention selection by the media, while Sam Schlueter was named Honorable Mention by both the coaches and media.

Minnesota’s line enabled the Gophers to rush for 2,575 yards (most since 2014; 2,801 yards) and 25 scores (most since 2016; 34 scores), a feat made even more impressive considering Minnesota used five different lead tailbacks this year.

Minnesota’s bruising tight end Ko Kieft was named Honorable Mention by both the coaches and media. Kieft helped the offensive line pave the way for five different Gopher running backs to record 100-yard games this year, and he also caught seven passes for 101 yards and one score.

Receiver Chris Autman-Bell was named Honorable Mention by the media. Autman-Bell played in 10 games this year and made 35 catches for 490 yards and six touchdowns.

— Content courtesy of University of Minnesota Athletic Communications