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.

Holy moly, Gophers LB Matt Kingsbury attacked this play like it stole his phone pic.twitter.com/9PzbWonofH

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 18, 2025

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.

GOPHERS ADD ANOTHER TD! 🙌 @GopherFootball goes up 14-6 against Nebraska pic.twitter.com/ySLlpV4iCc

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 18, 2025

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.

The Gophers drop #25 Nebraska 24-6 pic.twitter.com/bWbqqXEsjr

— Ted (@tlschwerz) October 18, 2025

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.

This offseason, Minnesota had more representation at the NFL Combine than ever before and every collegiate roster these days sees offseason turnover. Nonetheless, Fleck’s 2025 roster is sitting in a really good spot, as of April 2, including lots of returning talent from last season.

New defensive coordinator Danny Collins is taking over for Corey Hetherman, who left for the University of Miami, following one very successful season running the defense at Minnesota. While the defense is losing top talent like Justin Walley and Cody Lindenberg, there’s plenty of incumbent talent remaining for next season.

Anthony Smith back for Minnesota Gophers in 2025

Jah Joyner and Danny Striggow are two other departing Gophers on defense. Most certainly, their absence will be felt, which is why today’s announcement that defensive lineman Anthony Smith is returning for his senior season, was a very big deal.

RTB🛶🛶 pic.twitter.com/ac8w9DPDIl

— Anthony Smith (@AgentAnt0) April 2, 2025

In his 28 games played under Fleck, Smith has lined up both on the interior and edge of the defensive line. Last season he recorded a career-best 27 tackles, mostly at left and right defensive tackle. The also contributed 12 tackles for loss and racked up six sacks. With Joyner and Striggow gone, new defensive coordinator Danny Collins can put Smith on the edge and let him eat.

Related: Former MN Gophers Assistant Coach in Big Trouble at Kent State

As the depth chart takes shape, it looks as though Smith could be an edge rusher along with Illinois State transfer Steven Curtis. Curtis had five sacks and seven tackles for losses last season. Paired with Smith, who already has familiarity with Minnesota, could create a strong rushing tandem for the Gophers.

Anthony Smith of @GopherFootball with the stab/club/swim sack.@AgentAnt0 baits with the stab, then club/swims by the forward leaning blocker! @Coach_DeBo46 #PassRush #SkiUMah pic.twitter.com/VfnKSEixfn

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) October 14, 2024

Smith has two years of eligibility remaining, but could look at what his draft stock becomes should he build upon last season. Joyner put up 4.5 sacks in 2024 with Striggow adding five of his own. The tandem both leave the collegiate ranks with an equal 14.5 sacks.

P.J. Fleck’s team starts their 2025 schedule against Buffalo at Huntington Bank Stadium on August 28th. Just five weeks into the season they’ll have their toughest test as the look to take down Ohio State at The Shoe in Columbus.