MN Gophers Sack Game Shucks Nebraska

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Anthony Smith
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

There were more NFL teams in attendance for the Minnesota Gophers game against Nebraska than at any other point this season. Presumably they were in attendance to watch Patrick Mahomes doppelganger Dylan Raiola.

P.J. Flecks team certainly gave them a show, and the 24-6 defeat probably wasn’t what they were expecting. Nebraska entered the game as seven point favorites. The teams felt each other out with Minnesota leading 7-6 at the half.

Then the Gophers defense decided to put the Huskers on their back.

Pass rush a strength for Minnesota Gophers in victory

A week ago the Minnesota Gophers struggled to separate from a mediocre Purdue team and never once got to the quarterback. They certainly flipped the script on that showing and Dylan Raiola felt the brunt of it. The defense racked up nine sacks with Karter Menz and Anthony Smith both grabbing 2.5, while Jaxon Howard added two of his own.

It was supposed to be Raiola and running back Emmett Johnson that dictated this contest for Nebraska. Raiola never had a chance with the constant pass rush, and Johnson struggled to find running room due to the line play as well.

Minnesota starting cornerback John Nestor was out on Friday night, and that meant the rush needed to help save the secondary. Tackling issues have been persistent this season for the Gophers, but they tackled the quarterback and everyone else en route to the victory.

A week after putting up 176 yards against Maryland, Johnson was held to just 63 yards. A 4th and 1 stop with just over three minutes left was symbolistic of Johnson’s night. The defensive difference in a matter of a week could not have been more impressive.

Fleck outcoaches Penn State candidate

Matt Rhule can say whatever he wants about being tied to the Penn State head coaching opening. The reality is he’s on their radar and it has to be a distraction. On Friday night it was the Gophers P.J. Fleck who ran circles around his opponent.

The Gophers opted against going for it on two fourth downs in the first half. In the second half, with the defense still rolling, Fleck pushed the button on a 4th and three that set up Minnesota’s second touchdown. Drake Lindsey delivered a dime to Le’Meke Brockington to make it a 14-6 game.

The win was Fleck’s seventh against AP Top 25 ranked schools and set a new program record. Despite attempts by security to keep fans in their place after the clock hit zeroes, this one was worth celebrating.

These are the types of games Fleck needs to win if he wants to take the Gophers to the next level. It’s disappointing there was a loss to Cal earlier in the season, but this is a fringe top 25 team that can reveal more of that with a road win next weekend against Iowa.

With only Oregon as a near-certain loss left on the schedule, Minnesota would finish 9-3 if they run the table.

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