But instead of a high-flying offensive shootout between two of the more talented quarterbacks in the Big Ten, the Gophers went old-school PJ Fleck and grinded out a run-first, clock controlling game plan that relied heavily on a run game that’s struggled all season and a defense that had taken a step back in 2025, going in.

Minnesota Gophers beat Nebraska AGAIN

And it worked. Minnesota took a 7-6 lead into halftime, then put the pedal down in the second half, eventually stretching the lead to 24-6 by the time the clock hit 00:00 in the 4th quarter.

They ran the ball down Nebby’s throat, even when it wasn’t working, and the defense collected a school record 9 sacks on Dylan Raiola. Friday’s win was the Gophers’ first ranked victory of the season and PJ Fleck’s seventh as U of M football coach, also a program record.

COACH FLECK AND THE #GOPHERS DID IT AGAIN‼️#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/RALSQNfbWu

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) October 18, 2025

It was an absolutely dominating performance by the Golden Gophers, especially on paper where Minnesota outgained the Cornhuskers 339 yards to 213 yards, and completely dominated the ground attack, 186 yards for the Gophers to just 36 from Nebraska.

For a team that had struggled to find its identity through six games of the 2025 season, the Minnesota Gophers looked like a completely different team Friday night, both from a fundamentals + discipline standpoint and from the way they attack on both sides of the football.

Recap @GopherFootball's win over No. 25 Nebraska ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/x8K7Al9Dps

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

In a nutshell, they looked like the hungrier, more aggressive team for the first time this year, an attitude that could pay dividends over the next couple weeks, if they can can hold onto it.

MN Gophers football fans storm field at Huntington Bank Stadium

During such a convincing home victory that you had no business winning, according to oddsmakers and experts across the country, there isn’t a lot of controversy sweeping through campus this morning, as fans wake up to a 5-2 (3-1) Gophers football team.

Except for what happened after the win, when the student section immediately jumped down from the stands and rushed onto the field to celebrate a top 25 victory over a conference rival.

To a kid who grew up in MN during the Mason, Brewster and Kill eras of Gopher football, it's pretty crazy what PJ Fleck has created in Dinkytown… pic.twitter.com/Z0ITQYKzUQ

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

The scene down on the grass was chaotic, as Nebraska players tried to get to the visitor locker room and the FOX Sports crew tried to interview Drake Lindsey and PJ Fleck with Golden Gopher fans and students bearing down on them.

On social media, football fans are arguing over whether or not rushing the field is worth it when your opponent was barely ranked, or if fans at Huntington Bank Stadium should have “acted like they’d been there before” and saved over-the-top celebrations for only the most insane upsets/victories.

PJ Fleck a HUGE field storming advocate

Well, PJ Fleck weighed in on the “controversy” after the game, where he made his stance incredibly clear. He loves it because it creates memories that both the students and the players will never forget. Wins like Friday night, and the celebrations that follow, are what college sports are all about.

Storm the field.

Make the memories.@Coach_Fleck is here for it. pic.twitter.com/yGehNOr1mh

— Ted (@tlschwerz) October 18, 2025

“Crowd storming is awesome. It’s so fun to watch your student population — I’m glad we don’t have a rule [against it] — because I’m just an advocate. I love it. I love watching our student body, which cheers the entire game, makes a difference in the game, go down and create a moment and memory that will last in their brain and their hearts forever. I love that. There’s nothing better than that.”

PJ Fleck on Gopher football fans storming field after Nebraska win

Winning makes current players less likely to leave and opens the eyes of outside talent that may be watching. Younger kids or future transfer portal entrants that may not have considered the University of Minnesota as a viable option beforehand.

Because as Fleck pointed out during his press conference. Winning is hard in the Big Ten, especially in spotlight games against highly-ranked opponents. Never take wins for granted in college football, which is why PJ crowd surfs in the locker room after EVERY victory, no matter the opponent. In other words, smoke em when you got em.

NEVER TAKE WINNING FOR GRANTED 〽️ @Coach_Fleck https://t.co/VwYeZ7WxAW pic.twitter.com/zjD1qFRDZV

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) October 18, 2025

According to a recent article in the Star Tribune, the University of Minnesota was expected to divvy out its $20.5 million similarly to other power 5 schools, with 75% going to football (~$15 million), 15% to men’s basketball (~$3.1 million) and the rest to be split between women’s basketball, volleyball and men’s hockey.

While those numbers were not surprising, the columnist Chip Scoggins didn’t seem to factor in reports from a few months ago that athletic director Mark Coyle had promised to dedicate a larger percentage of this new revshare money to men’s basketball, in order to make life a little easier for new head coach Niko Medved.

Minnesota Gophers football revshare money going to men’s basketball…?

Over the weekend, however, another local columnist (and deeply rooted Gopher insider) Charley “Shooter” Walters shined more light on Minnesota’s revshare situation. And if he is right, it appears Gopher basketball is getting its extra chunk of cash from PJ Fleck and the football team.

According to Shooter’s report, Gopher football’s exact 2025 revshare number will be $13 million, down $2 million from Scoggins’ recent projections. Meanwhile, Walters sets the men’s basketball revshare budget at $5 million, up $2 million from Chip’s previous number.

Ohio State is saying publicly it plans to spend $18 million on athletes for the coming academic year. The Gophers aren’t saying, but are expected to spend about $13 million on football and $5 million on men’s and women’s basketball.

Charley Walters – Pioneer Press

Related: Gopher Basketball All-Time Great Finds First NBA Home

I do not doubt Walters’ reporting on this one bit. Not only is he more plugged into Gopher athletics than just about any other insider in town, but he was present at a recent packed house “Dunkers” booster club meeting that featured Niko Medved as its guest speaker.

Why a bigger chunk of cash for Gophers men’s basketball (this year) makes sense

And really, the financial scenario he lays out makes a ton of sense, especially given the projected numbers Chip Scoggins recently laid out in his article. Given how well PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers football team is doing in the NIL space lately, they should find it much easier to recoup that $2 million.

Niko Medved, on the other hand, is entering his first season back in Dinkytown. Not only that, but he is taking over a program previously run by Ben Johnson, who fell way behind in the NIL game, early on in his tenure. In other words, the Name, Image and Likeness checking account was mostly empty when he took the job.

This additional $2 million in revshare money will significantly add to his first year player budget. It wouldn’t surprise me if his split of revshare goes back to more of a normal 75/15/10 split in 2026 and beyond, once Medved gets more time to fundraise private NIL funds.

On defense, the Gophers proved they were more than just Joe Rossi, who left at the end of 2023, to take the defensive coordinator job at Michigan State. Under one-and-done DC Corey Hetherman, the 2024 Golden Gophers defense ranked No. 9 in points allowed (16.9 PPG) and No. 5 in total yards allowed (285.7 YPG).

PJ Fleck coined the phrase “Row the Boat” long before he arrived at the University of Minnesota. But he doesn’t just wear those words out with his mouth. He lives by his favorite motto, and expects the same out of his football players.

The culture PJ has built in Dinkytown, and the way he lives his life, may rub haters the wrong way. But the now eight-year head coach has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he knows how to develop kids with football talent into responsible, hard-working men who excel on the football field.

This week at the NFL Combine, multiple Minnesota Gophers are trying to prove to NFL scouts, coaches and executives that they should spend one of their April draft picks on their football future. When asked about PJ Fleck or the Golden Gophers football program, they’ve gushed over the man and the program that helped raise them into them men they are today.

Justin Walley speaks highly of Minnesota Gophers culture

Justin Walley is one of a record six Minnesota Gophers prospects who received an NFL Combine invite this offseason. The U of M CB1 should hear his name called by the end of the draft on April 27. Once drafted, Walley will have the opportunity to be the next key former Gopher wreaking havoc for an NFL defense.

Walley played his entire collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, a rare feat for any college football player these days. After hearing him talk abou Fleck and the Gophers program at the combine, you can see why he never left, even though he was one of the top cornerbacks in the Big Ten since his sophomore season.

#Gophers Justin Walley talking about the impact of P.J. Fleck. pic.twitter.com/EkQcATR6s3

— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) February 28, 2025

“It’s great. I mean, he really creates a brotherhood. I know in this day and age with NIL and the portal it’s really hard to have a team that’s all in for each other. The culture there just creates that.”

Justin Walley on playing for P.J. Fleck

The premise of a slogan like Row the Boat can’t be hollow. If something like that becomes a goofy tagline then P.J. Fleck immediately struggles with a level of credibility. Walley suggesting that the culture and brotherhood at Minnesota is amazing truly means the players grab an oar and willingly row right alongside their head coach.

Related: Revealed: Why Gophers LB is Sitting Out NFL Combine Drills

Fleck’s MN Gophers program will never have the same NIL funds or lucrative avenues to land talent against premier schools. That forces the team into a blueprint of development and buy in. The more that Fleck can create a culture where players stay and grow, the better his teams will be for it.

Walley played 49 games for the Gophers across a four-year collegiate career. He racked up 113 tackles along with seven interceptions, two of which came this season. Walley scored his first pick six and had a career-best ten passes defensed as well.

The Minnesota standout showed well in the speed department at the combine as well. Despite sporting a cast on his hand, Walley ripped off a 4.4 time in the 40-yard dash. NFL teams will certainly enjoy utilizing that speed in their secondary.

Justin Walley 4.40 unofficial 40 pic.twitter.com/lDhmN0PNKU

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) February 28, 2025

Related: Four-Star CB Commits to Gophers Over Big Money Helmet Schools

As a defensive back, he will be looking to make an impact at the next level. Minnesota has fared well with their safeties at the highest level, but Walley can generate a name for the cornerbacks.

Next season presents a schedule that P.J. Fleck and his team should feel good about. The Minnesota Gophers can compete in virtually every contest they have lined up, and it could result in a double-digit winning record.

Max Brosmer felt Minnesota Gophers culture too

Walley had played for the P.J. Fleck in each of his four collegiate seasons. Minnesota recruited Max Brosmer as a transfer player and he felt the same culture Walley discussed, despite his time being brief. When asked what stuck out to him about his time at the University of Minnesota, Brosmer again pointed to PJ Fleck and the unity his culture breeds.

QB Max Brosmer on Minnesota putting together a good stretch during the season pic.twitter.com/rbarKlsBII

— Damon Wolfe (@NFLinMotion) February 28, 2025

“Unity I think. After the Michigan game. I think the unity piece was there, but actually proving to ourselves that we can do it. I remember coach Fleck’s postgame speech after Michigan was the most incredible postgame speech I’ve ever heard in my life…The feeling you had in the locker room, after a loss, was nothing that I had ever been a part of. After that we just hit the ground running.”

Max Brosmer on the Gophers unity this season

It’s not at all surprising that Brosmer gets it. He displayed a high level of leadership all season and should have a long NFL career because of his ability between the ears.

The ability to come into a new environment and immediately set a higher standard for your teammates, while also earning their trust, allin a short period of time shows the type of leader the NFL is getting in the Gophers’ one and done QB.

Max Brosmer’s 2,800 yards passing, and 18/6 TD/INT ratio, will go down as one of the best QB seasons in University of Minnesota history. He won’t be day one pick, and could even slip to day three, but there’s no doubt he can add a lot of talent, brainpower and work ethic to whatever NFL locker room he joins.

Culture shows in MN Gophers staying as well

Walley briefly touched on the ever-changing landscape of college football. With NIL money and the transfer portal being prevalent now, players have more opportunities than ever. When guys like Koi Perich and Darius Taylor stick with the program that has begun to build them, it speaks to P.J. Fleck’s culture as well.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Hire Fresh Face as New RB Coach

The Minnesota native Perich racked up accolades and quickly earned playing time at Minnesota. He certainly would have had opportunities to play elsewhere. That didn’t happen. Taylor has been a standout in his first two seasons with the Gophers. He could have had other opportunities but isn’t leaving either.

Oddsmakers put their belief in the Gophers, who entered the Mayo Bowl as -10 point favorites. It did take a bit for Minnesota to shake off that aforementioned rust, but the Golden Gophers eventually returned the dominant bowl game team they usually are under PJ Fleck.

QB Max Brosmer didn’t win over any of the NFL scouts, in attendance tonight, completing 18-of-29 passes (62%) for 211 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. It’s only the third time in Max’s last eight games that he has finished with a completion percentage lower than 65%.

What We Learned: Minnesota Gophers vs Virginia Tech Hokies

But for most of the evening, the Gopher offense didn’t need Brosmer. Instead, they turned back to clock to a an offense that looked much more like what we have seen from Fleck’s Gophers, prior to the grad transfer QB’s arrival. And it worked.

Throw in another great performance from a Minnesota Gophers defense (that was missing a handful of important pieces), and it was the maroon and gold who took home the Duke’s Mayo Bowl victory, moving PJ Fleck’s Bowl Game record at the University of Minnesota to 6-0. So… here is what we learned from the final Gopher football game of the 2024-25 season.

Darius Taylor is still him

It’s been an up and down season for Darius Taylor. He came into his sophomore season as the sole superstar-type talent on that side of the ball, after a freshman season that included three Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors and even more injuries.

Quickly, however, we all learned that the 2024 Minnesota Gophers offense was going to look completely different than offenses of Gophers past. After running the ball 71 times in the first two weeks, and averaging a brutal 2.75 yards per carry, PJ Fleck and Greg Harbaugh mostly abandoned the run for the rest of the season.

But not on Friday night vs Virginia Tech, where the Gophers turned back the clock and leaned into their phenom sophomore running back, Darius Taylor, handing him the ball 20 times, which he took for 113 yards (5.7 YPC) and a touchdown.

Darius Taylor TD
pic.twitter.com/q6whvJ448W

— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) January 4, 2025

Michigan State transfer Jared Mangham, who hasn’t seen a lot of run all year, got 9 carries too. He took those carries for an impressive 57 yards (6.3 YPC) against a depleted Hokies front-seven that never really stood a chance, even with the Gophers offensive line missing their own key pieces on the offensive line.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Swipe Physical Freak WR (and Former Top 75 Recruit) from Big Ten Rival

But Darius Taylor does a lot more than run the football. His 4 receptions and 7 targets were both second on the team behind only WR Elijah Spencer, who had 6 receptions on 9 targets. Oh, and Taylor — who has already committed to returning to Minnesota next season — threw a touchdown, too. Because why not?

Darius Taylor did it all in @GopherFootball’s Mayo Bowl win 💪#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/5sH9reXMB6

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) January 4, 2025

Taylor was injured for the Gophers first game of the season, vs UNC, but in the four games that followed, he never once topped 14 carries. Still, there were a few games this season where the offense leaned on him in a major way.

• Oct 5 vs USC: 25 carries, 144 yards
• Nov 2 vs Illinois: 22 carries, 131 yards, TD
• Nov 29 vs Wisconsin: 32 carries, 143 yards

And whatever Darius Taylor didn’t get in carries, this year, he made up for with receptions. Brosmer found him 21 times in those four September games where he never reached 14 carries.

That included 10 receptions on September 29 vs Michigan. On the season, Taylor totalled 54 receptions and 350 yards receiving on the year, to go along with his 986 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.

Minnesota defense dominant again

What is there to say about the Minnesota Gophers defense? They lost their longtime defensive coordinator in the offseason, and never blinked. Friday night, Virginia Tech posted just 223 yards in total offense (149 pass, 74 rush) and ZERO 2nd half points.

Sure, the Hokie offense was missing a lot of players, but so was the Gopher defense, including starters (CB) Justin Walley, (LB) Cody Lindenberg (DL) Jah Joyner, and (S) Darius Green. But it didn’t really matter. Once Minnesota figured out what Va Tech was trying to do, the night was pretty much over.

Gophers defense gets the pick back on 4th and goal pic.twitter.com/ZKSlNKVUIF

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) January 4, 2025

None of this is new, though. The 2024 Minnesota Gophers have been one of the best in PJ Fleck’s coaching tenure at the U of M, and that is saying something because defense has been this program’s staple attribute since Joe Rossi took it over during the 2018 season.

There are still a few bowl games left to play. But as of Saturday morning, the Minnesota defense ranks 9th nationally in points allowed (16.9), 5th in total yards allowed (285.7), 12th in rush yards allowed (109.6) and 10th in pass yards allowed (176.1). That’s top 12 in every major defensive statistic on the books. They also ranked 29th in turnovers created per game (1.6).

Related: Lots of Minnesota Gophers Players are Planning to Sit Out Bowl Game

It was very concerning when Joe Rossi left for Michigan State. Before he took over, Robb Smith was fired for giving up nearly 40 points per game. If the Minnesota Gophers defense reverted back to that in 2024, they may not have won a game. Instead, in Corey Hetherman’s debut DC season, the defense never skipped a beat.

PJ Fleck mayo bath was as good as advertised

Finally, let’s get to what really matters. Everyone watching on Friday night wanted one thing (even the Virginia Tech fans I bet). We all wanted to see PJ Fleck take a Duke’s Mayo bath. The Hokies are dealing with all sorts of problems.

I can’t even tell you what their coach’s name is. But everyone knows and has an opinion on Fleck. So you’re damn right that’s the coach everyone wanted to see doused in tangy mayonaise. And when the clock expired and the Minnesota Gophers were 21-10 winners on the scoreboard, we all got what we came for.

And it was everything we could have imagined… and more. We even got Flava Flav, and a PJ Fleck “Yeeeeeaaaaahhh Boooiiiii” right before the vat of mayo was dumped onto his smooth, bald head.

The Duke's Mayo celebrity mascot is — Flava Flav.

Flava Flav: FLAVA FLAV IN THE BUILDING AT THE DUKE'S MAYO BOWL. Welcome champions.

P.J. Fleck: IT'S FLAVA FLAV! HOLY CRAP. pic.twitter.com/GPMLWWdRrn

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 4, 2025

PJ Fleck gets the mayo bath and they got him GOOD pic.twitter.com/RcRgmH9tDQ

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) January 4, 2025

After that, the Gophers head to Madison to wrap up their 2024 season against Wisconsin. No matter how these last two games play out, the Gophers are already bowl-eligible. Recent projections suggest they could land in an intriguing matchup.

Minnesota Gophers vs LSU Tigers in 2024 Music City Bowl..?

It’s that time of year when experts and different websites start predicting every single bowl game. Right now, all signs are pointing to the Gophers heading to Nashville Tennessee to face the LSU Tigers in the 2024 Music City Bowl.

At least, that’s according to respected college football insiders Brett McMurphy (Action Network) and ESPN’s Kyle Bonagura and 247Sports’ Brad Crawford.

Minnesota Gophers Bowl Projections:

• Action Network: Dec. 30 – Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tenn.) vs. LSU
• ESPN: Dec. 30 – Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tenn.) vs. LSU
• 247Sports: Dec. 30 – Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tenn.) vs. LSU

If LSU ends up being the Gophers’ opponent, it’d be the most recognized modern day helmet school PJ Fleck has faced in any bowl game. Of course, they played in the Outback Bowl in 2019, but that was vs Auburn, a storied SEC program, yes. But they aren’t the LSU Tigers, who won the National Championship in 2019 with Joe Burrow, and also in 2003 and 2007.

University of Minnesota Bowl Results in Undefeated PJ Fleck Era

• 2018: Quick Lane Bowl – Win vs. Georgia Tech, 34-10
• 2019: Outback Bowl – Win vs. Auburn, 31-24
• 2021: Guaranteed Rate Bowl – Win vs. West Virginia, 18-6
• 2022: Pinstripe Bowl – Win vs. Syracuse, 28-20
• 2023: Quick Lane Bowl – Win vs. Bowling Green, 30-24

Related: Koi Perich NIL Number with Minnesota Gophers Revealed

A late December bowl game against a school like that would be a massive opportunity for Fleck & Co to compete to show off their brand to the rest of the nation, not to mention what it could mean for winter NIL donations at Dinkytown Athletes.

Here are some additional projections from other CFB insiders. With two games left to play, it appears the Minnesota Gophers are either Nashville or Charlotte bound, depending on who you ask.

How Minnesota finishes out the season could have a lot to say in where they end up. An upset over No. 4 Penn State on Saturday could flip the entire bowl season on its head.

• CBSsports/Jerry Palm: Jan. 3 – Mayo Bowl (Charlotte, N.C.) vs. Clemson
• ESPN (Schlabach): Jan. 3 – Mayo Bowl (Charlotte, N.C.) vs. Duke

Oh, and a win vs Illinois would keep the Gophers’ College Football Playoff hopes alive, at 6-3 overall. Yeah, I said it. But it wasn’t going to be easy. The Fighting Illini came into this contest ranked, for a reason. This was a matchup of two Big Ten teams trying to prove that they belong in the new division-less Big Ten.

As Illinois vs Minnesota usually does, this contest came down to one final drive. With less than one minute remaining, the Illini were down eight points and driving. But then, EDGE Jah Joyner strip-sacked Illini QB Luke Altmyer, in Gophers territory. Danny Striggow recovered, Max Brosmer took a knee, and Minnesota won 25-17.

"GAME. SET. MATCH." 🗣️@GopherFootball forces a fumble at the end to seal the win ✅#B1GFootball on FS1 📺 pic.twitter.com/nyp8Rb07PO

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 2, 2024

Minnesota still needs Darius Taylor

The first quarter was a battle of two defenses. The Illini might have been the first opponent of 2024 to focus on stopping Max Brosmer, which they did pretty successfully, throughout the first half. That’s why this turned into by far the most balanced offensive attack of the season for Minnesota.

In the first half, the Gophers rushed for 88 yards and passed for 99 yards. In the 2nd quarter, with Brosmer struggling to find open receivers, it was Darius Taylor who powered through tacklers and put Minnesota up by a touchdown, with this 29-yard scamper and score.

Darius Taylor finds the end zone for @GopherFootball 😤#B1GFootball on FS1 📺 pic.twitter.com/X67GjUeWzl

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 2, 2024

Max Brosmer, on the other hand, was just a bit off for much of the day. He was missing throws that he normally hits and hanging onto the football for far longer than what we have seen the past few weeks. Whatever the Illini were doing defensively, it worked, and Brosmer struggled to find open receivers for most of the afternoon.

But when the Gophers went down 17-16 in the 4th quarter, and needed Brosmer to get their lead back, he delivered, going 4-of-5 on the drive, for 61 yards and a touchdown. On the day, Brosmer finished 22-of-37 (59%) for 213 yards and 1 touchdown, but that one TD drive may have been the most important of the game.

Meanwhile, with Illinois keying on the Minnesota Gophers’ air attack, PJ Fleck hitched his wagon to running back Darius Taylor, in a way have not seen since last year, pre Max Brosmer. Taylor rushed 22 times for 131 yards and the one TD you saw above. He also caught 9 passes (on 9 targets) for another 58 yards, totalling 31 touches for 189 total yards offense.

▶️ 22 car.
▶️ 131 yds
▶️ 1 TD
▶️ 9 rec.
▶️58 yds

Darius Taylor was a busy man in @GopherFootball's win at No. 24 Illinois.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/hbdRAjGmct

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 2, 2024

If you want to be a college football playoff contender, you have to be flexible on offense. Minnesota proved, on Saturday, that they can run the ball, if you make it too difficult for them to pass it, something they hadn’t shown they were capable of, prior to this week.

Mark Crawford has the green light to fake punt

There have been a lot of questions surrounding the Minnesota Gophers special teams unit, over the years. But there was no denying how important they were in victory this week. Mark Crawford boomed some nice punts and Dragan Kesich returned to form, going 4-of-4 on FG attempts, including two that were over 40 yards.

But early in what would be a very eventful 4th quarter, punter Mark Crawford — who is 31-years-old — caught the snap, took a couple steps as if he was going to punt it. But then, he tucked it under his right arm, instead, and bolted toward the right sideline, which had a 1st down marker about 15 yards upfield.

Unfortunately… he only made it about 13 yards, before he was tackled and the ball was jarred loose. Instead of pinning the Illini deep in their own territory, they took over on Minnesota’s 35 yards line. They scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive, to take a 17-16 lead.

Fake Punt stopped by Collin Dixon ‼️

The Gophers go for it but @IlliniFootball comes up with the stop 👀#B1GFootball on FS1 📺 pic.twitter.com/jRfhrMCCP6

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 2, 2024

The broadcast, and most pundits on social media, chalked the fake punt up to a questionable PJ Fleck coaching decision. As it turns out, the only direction PJ gave Mark, before he took off running, was a green light months earlier.

Related: Accolades Raining Down on Gophers QB Max Brosmer

That’s right, Mark Crawford has Fleck’s trust to take off running any time he gets the right look, which is a punt return max protect, when most of the receiving team bails back toward their punter, to setup blocks down field. That’s what Illinois did Saturday. Crawford identified it, and took off. Unfortunately, this time around, he came up short.

WATCH: @GopherFootball coach P.J. Fleck details Mark Crawford's fake punt try that almost worked in today's 25-17 #Gophers win at Illinois.

If they get the right look, it's Crawford's call to take off with the ball. pic.twitter.com/SoFNgkf8PV

— FOX 9 (@FOX9) November 2, 2024

The Minnesota Gophers have a shot at College Football Playoff

Saturday’s win moved the Minnesota Gophers to 6-3 on the season (4-2 in Big Ten). That means they are bowl eligible, with three games remaining on their regular season schedule. It would be surprising if they are not ranked in this week’s AP and Coaches Poll. At worst, they will get votes. The College Football Playoff Poll drops this week, too.

But the Gophers aren’t just bowl eligible, they are now a legitimate threat for the College Football Playoff. Yeah, that’s right. They’ve now defeated two ranked opponents (USC, Illinois). If they want any chance to do the impossible, and play in the first ever 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, they’ll need to add a third team.

Related: Minnesota Gophers LT Continues Climb Up Mel Kiper’s Big Board

After Minnesota plays Rutgers next week, they’ll get a bye before hosting No. Penn State, who lost a nailbiter to No. 4 Ohio State on Saturday. But if the Gophers can win out (@ Rutgers, Penn State, @ Wisconsin), it’ll be nearly impossible to leave them out.

Of course, this is Minnesota, where any talk of National Championships in college football became preposterous, post 1970. But with the expanded tournament, the Gophers have a shot. They have a really good defense, and the most balanced offensive attack in Fleck’s 8-year coaching tenure, possible ever, as long as Max Brosmer and Darius Taylor can stay healthy.

Minnesota has now:

• won 4 straight games
• covered in 5 straight games
• reached a bowl game in the last 6 FULL years
• started 6-3 or better in 4 of the last 5 FULL years

The Gophers are ROLLING. pic.twitter.com/TnGAd9ljwe

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) November 2, 2024

They should win against Athan Kaliakmanis and a floundering Rutgers football program next weekend, before they get two weeks to prepare for Penn State. Wisconsin, Minnesota’s final regular season opponent of 2024, is 5-4, 3-3 in conference play. It feels weird to talk about… but with only three games remaining, the Minnesota Gophers have a clear path to the CFP. That much is undeniable.

Minnesota Gophers are a long shot to make the College Football Playoff

According to DraftKings, which dropped College Football Playoff odds on 80 teams, the Minnesota Gophers have 200/1 odds to make the CFP. And while the Gophers aren’t exactly leading the pack, they’re sitting in the middle. There is still a small chance that they can make some noise with 5 games remaining.

Lots of work left to do

Realistically, they’d probably have to run the table, to make it happen. But with the CFP expanding to 12 teams this season, there’s still a small chance for the Gophers. It would take victories over No. 22 Illinois and No. 3 Penn State and the season finale vs rival Wisconsin.

Beating those teams would be a huge boost, but they also can’t slip up against teams like (3-3, 0-3) Maryland, (4-2, 1-2) Rutgers. Even though those games look more winnable on paper, they’re definitely not a walk in the park.

Related: Minnesota Gophers True Freshman Phenom Wins Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

It’s awesome watching PJ Fleck push through this season, especially after taking down USC and getting everyone fired back up. But it also makes you wonder what could’ve been if they nailed that last-second field goal against North Carolina or didn’t fall apart in the second half against Iowa. Still, there’s a lot of season left, and they’ve got a chance to bounce back.

Mainly, they started putting the ball in the endzone. After posting just 84 total yards and 0 points in the first half, Minnesota gained 63 yards and scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, alone, followed by 87 yards and another touchdown in the fourth. They went from down 10-0 at halftime to up 14-10 by the end of the 3rd.

Brought home the 𝑾 from Cali 📹#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/aFJTtLtHK5

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) October 13, 2024

In the fourth quarter, the Gophers and Bruins exchanged haymakers and late game leads. Referees tried to screw Minnesota multiple times (shocker). In other words, Saturday’s contest had a lot of the same aspects that all of their conference games have had so far this season.

Another 2024 classic. And for the second week in a row, this time with a final score of 21-17, the University of Minnesota came out victorious vs one of the new Big Ten teams. Here’s what we learned.

Max Brosmer is the difference for Minnesota Gophers

Daniel Jackson is really, really good. And he was again last night. That should not be understated. He will be drafted next April, because he has some of the best hands in the entire country. Vs the Bruins, Jackson caught 10 passes on 13 targets, for 89 yards, and he should have had more (see below).

But at the end of the day, the only reason Jackson is getting 13 targets is because of grad transfer quarterback Max Brosmer, who took the game into his hands during the 2nd half Saturday night, and pretty much willed the Minnesota Gophers to a victory.

It wasn’t just about his 26-of-37 passing (70%), 131.9 rating or 2 touchdowns. Brosmer’s completion percentage stands out, and those who have watched him play before know why it’s so high. But without the context that comes with watching him play, you can’t understand how good and how important he really is.

Like the Gophers’ first touchdown. One UCLA defender blew his coverage. It seemed like a confusion on whether he was supposed to be in man or zone. Big mistake. Brosmer saw it immediately: Elijah Spencer – touchdown.

1️⃣1️⃣ with reservations for 6️⃣‼️

pic.twitter.com/Jya9WDpRS0

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) October 13, 2024

The composure this kid shows is unbelievable. He changes plays and protections at the line of scrimmage, something that no other QB has been allowed to do under PJ Fleck. And you can watch him go through his reads like clockwork.

Related: PJ Fleck Got Emotional Following Minnesota Gophers Win vs USC

Even as the pocket collapses or when he knows a hit is coming, if there is an open receiver on the field, he will find them. His checkdown, game-winning touchdown shows his brilliance. Taylor was Max’s third, maybe even fourth option on this play. The pocket is so tight, but he stands in, surveys, surveys, surveys and hits Taylor, for what appears to be an easy touchdown. It wasn’t.

📺 @BigTenNetwork https://t.co/xa4feMtXL4 pic.twitter.com/LxYZCF9zxa

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) October 13, 2024

Don’t forget about Darius Taylor, who ran for a very difficult 30 yards and 1 TD, on a rugged 15 carries. Nothing was easy for him because the Bruins defense was focused on one thing. Stopping him. And they did it pretty successfully. But again, it’s Max Brosmer who makes this offense go, no matter what the stat sheet says.

Good things happen when Koi Perich is on the field

Koi Perich had two more interceptions on Saturday night. Because why wouldn’t he? The true freshman has only been on campus for four months, and he spent the first two recovering from a high school track injury.

Sure, the second interception was a jump ball in the endzone that ended up going right to Perich, but that’s the thing. He always seems to be in the right place, at the right time. It’s like the football finds him… And the first INT was incredible, a diving superman grab that needed review to confirm, given how impossible it appeared in real time. UCLA QB Ethan Garbers was just a split second late on his timing route to the left side. Big mistake.

Another interception for @GopherFootball 👀#B1GFootball on @BigTenNetwork 📺 pic.twitter.com/1lk2rUOpd5

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 13, 2024

PJ Fleck started the spoon feeding slowly, but Perich continues to eat everything this coaching staff puts on his plate. After playing a combined 19 defensive snaps vs Nevada, Iowa and Michigan, Koi has been on defense during 101 snaps the last two weeks vs USC and UCLA.

Related: Gophers Teammate Steps in to Help Koi Perich Answer Question About Refs vs USC

Not only does he have four total interceptions on the season, already a freshman record at the University of Minnesota, he’s also piled up 10 tackles and forced a huge fumble on defense. Koi’s also added a layer to the kick and punt return game, that PJ Fleck has NEVER had.

• Koi Perich PFF Grades thru 7 games (snaps) : DEF: 87.8 (136) | RDEF: 87.9 (43) | PRSH: 65.7 (4) | COV: 88.3 (89) | TACK: 77.9

And no, the Elko kid isn’t just about flash. He’s not running around blowing assignments because he’s seeking big plays. Koi Perich holds an 87.8 PFF grade on defense this season, after Saturday night, which is easily the highest of the entire group. Kerry Brown has the second-highest grade, at 82.1.

We need an investigation into Big Ten referees

For some reason, the Minnesota Gophers continue to get screwed by referees late in Big Ten games. We saw it happen vs Michigan, when they were called for offsides on an onside kick that they very clearly were not offsides on. That cost the Gophers a legitimate opportunity to win the Little Brown Jug.

That wasn’t the only late call that has gone against the Gophers this season, though, and we saw it happen again against the Bruins. Late in the 4th quarter, Lemeke Brockington was ripped to the ground by his nameplate, an obvious horsecollar penalty. No call.

Schwesinger makes the tackle on third-down and the Bruins get the stop.

Credit: BTN pic.twitter.com/WztSAKeWk5

— Kai Dizon (@KaiADizon) October 13, 2024

On Minnesota’s 2nd to last drive, Daniel Jackson made another beautiful catch, something we have become very used to seeing. But it was ruled incomplete. Fine, tough call in real time. But then, even upon replay, this was not ruled a catch.

Even the broadcast thought Jackson held the ball steady with both hands. Not just through the ground, but through the first down pole held by a chain gang member who must not have been paying attention and was way late to try and move the marker before Daniel Jackson crashes into it.

Related: How to Watch Minnesota Gophers Games

Those two plays happened on the same drive, with only a busted screen pass sandwiched between, and forced a Minnesota Gophers punt, with just 2:53 left on the clock.

Or how about this no-call at the end of a big Minnesota first down? Jackson is clearly out of bounds. The only reason the UCLA defender pushes him to the ground is out of frustration. He knows the play is over and they just gave up a huge play. It’s quite literally the definition of “unnecessary”.

Daniel Jackson is wide open for a 27-yard gain.

Credit: BTN pic.twitter.com/3xJLdCoX11

— Kai Dizon (@KaiADizon) October 13, 2024

Too many times this season, it seems that Big Ten referees are involving themselves in the final decisions of Gopher football games. Why? Why are we talking about zebras after every single game? It makes no sense.

No matter, the Minnesota Gophers move to 4-3 on the season and 2-2 in conference play. As of Sunday morning, the Golden Gophers are in 10th place in the Big Ten. Every school ahead of them have played only three conference games. Six of them are 2-1. In other words, the season is just getting started.

It was one of those wins that we haven’t seen at the University of Minnesota since 2019, a season that was full of emotional victories that helped charge the Gophers through one of the best seasons in a storied program’s history.

PJ Fleck crowd surfs through Minnesota Gophers players after USC win

Following one of the biggest wins in PJ Fleck’s 7.5 seasons in Minnesota, the 43-year-old head coach celebrated out on the field with thousands of Gopher fans, finishing off his BTN interview with the best “Row the Boat, SKI-U-MAH, Go Gophers” yet.

"This is for the state of Minnesota, this is for our University." 🗣️

PJ Fleck describes what the @GopherFootball win means to his program.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/Evj1W6hXp5

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 6, 2024

Then, as is customary after wins, Fleck went crowd-surfing on the hands of his players, through the Huntington Bank Stadium home locker room. This time, however, they started tossing him around like an overstimulated puppy’s brand new chew toy.

Related: Big Ten Implements Change to Onside Kicks After Gophers Got Screwed

The video cuts out before we find out what happened to the Minnesota head coach, but he made it to the postgame podium, eventually, so it must have turned out ok. As PJ stood in front of reporters, he immediately got emotional.

Coach P.J. Fleck celebrates the Gophers’ win over No. 11 USC‼️

The vibes in Minnesota are INSANE 🔥🤣#B1GFootball x @GopherFootball pic.twitter.com/tKarOiPRIX

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 6, 2024

Yup, Fleck was in his feelings last night, and for good reason. His program needed a momentum turning victory, and ASAP. But he didn’t point fingers at media members and say, “I told you so”. There was no “you doubted us, and now we’re here” speech.

PJ Fleck dedicates his opening statement to coaching mentor, Al Nolan

Instead, Fleck started his press conference in a way that he never has before, at least not any that I have watched or covered. An emotional PJ rearranged the sponsored beverages sitting on the top of his podium (hat part is not new). Then, he introduced a special guest, in the room.

Related: Gophers Upset #11 USC with 2nd Half Comeback Sealed by Koi Perich Interception

Most reporters gathered probably had no idea who he was. I sure wouldn’t have. His name is Mike Nolan, former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. Fleck credits Nolan, and former Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel, as the reason he wears a tie on the sidelines. Take it away, PJ.

Coach Fleck gets personal and emotional during his opening statement. #Gophers pic.twitter.com/mwCyraLHFq

— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) October 6, 2024

“[Mike Nolan], my head coach of the Niners who’s here with his wife Kathy please walk that you’re here because that’s why I wear a tie. If he wouldn’t have cut me that day, that moment, that second, I wouldn’t be able to experience these moments.

Had it not been for him sitting down a worthless player, who had to cut because he wasn’t going to be able to help the team in year three, you sit him down and say, ‘I think you would be a really good coach and I think you should do this’, and then offer him a job. That’s what this entire thing is about.

With these players, our job is to, one, have them be proud of the University of Minnesota and everything that this place stands for and allows them to become, and love their alma-mater. Two, make sure you teach them as many life lessons as possible so they can be the best men that they can be.

And coach, it’s an honor to have you here. Thank you for always being here and supporting me, and being the biggest mentor in my life. Umm, I’m sure you have a lot of questions. I apologize to make that personal, but he needs to hear that. I know I text him that all the time, but in front of all of you, this is what we talked about. It’s not about a fashion statement. It’s about myself, and a lot of my staff having the opportunity to be here and I don’t take that lightly.”

PJ Fleck’s opening statement after Saturday’s win vs USC

Nolan coached PJ Fleck for his only two NFL seasons (’06, ’07) as a wide receiver. Mike was head coach of the Niners from 2005 to 2008, before being fired. He never found another head coaching opportunity in the league, but did bounce around between defensive coordinator and linebackers coach jobs for another decade.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Might Use Koi Perich on Offense…?

Nolan last coached in the NFL in 2020, as the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. Most recently, he is head coaching the Michigan Panthers, of the UFL, which went 7-3 last season. Mike Nolan’s connection to Michigan? He doesn’t have one.

But PJ Fleck sure does, and he was clearly the right guy for the job, given his success so far. In 2023, the Panthers picked Tanner Morgan (who was once committed to Fleck at Western Michigan) No. 8 overall in the UFL Draft by the Panthers, too.

You may know Koi Perich, the freshman from Esko. Perich made the decision to stay close to home despite receiving offers from some of the nation’s top programs.

His impact on the Minnesota Gophers has already been notable in just five games, primarily as an electrifying punt returner. With his speed and agility, he’s proven to be a game-changer.

PJ Fleck wants to use Koi Perich on Minnesota Gophers Offense?

During a recent news conference, Fleck expressed to reporters just how dangerous Perich is with the ball in his hands. This prompted Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press to ask Fleck about the possibility of Perich getting some playing time on offense.

“You can put him out there as a true freshman — nothing intimidates him,” Gophers coach P.J. Fleck said in his news conference Monday. “And he is dangerous with the ball in his hand.”

So can Perich play some on offense, too?

Fleck doesn’t want to establish an expectation that it will happen, but he told the Pioneer Press: “It’s definitely a possibility. I wouldn’t think twice”.

Pioneer Press (report via Andy Greder)

It looks like Fleck is considering using Perich in a dual-role capacity, similar to how Travis Hunter is utilized at Colorado. However, that might be a tall order for a true freshman who just joined the team in June and is still recovering from an injury. PJ appears to be wary of overwhelming Perich and potentially hindering his growth as a player.

“I think when you overload somebody that is really new, you can stunt their growth faster. I think he is doing a really good job of biting off a huge chunk and performing at a high level as of now. But there is always a possibility of more.”

Pioneer Press (report via Andy Greder)

Perich is still in the early stages of his career, and as a true freshman, Coach Fleck is focused on nurturing his development without putting too much pressure on him. Meanwhile, Perich is making quite an impression in his current role. Last Saturday against Michigan, he had a standout moment with a significant punt return that helped propel the Gophers back into the game.

KOI PERICH CAN FLY

He picks up a huge return on the punt for @GopherFootball 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DS1HyAIyX8

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 28, 2024

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Gophers’ Matchup vs USC Trojans

Koi Perich joined the Gophers as a safety and has already made an impact on the defense this season, logging 35 plays and snagging one interception. However, it’s very clear head coach P.J. Fleck is exploring ways to use him beyond just defense, and now, with the possibility of switching him to offense. It will be exciting to watch how Perich develops as the season progresses.