P.J. Fleck’s Minnesota tenure has been shaped by more than just one breakthrough season or one signature win. The story of his Gophers has been built moment by moment, starting with a recruiting class that changed the program’s ceiling and a defensive overhaul that stopped a season from spinning away.
When Fleck arrived in early January 2017 after taking Western Michigan to the Cotton Bowl, he had to assemble a class fast. That scramble turned into a major win for Minnesota. The group produced the school’s all-time leading rusher and two-time All-American Mohamed Ibrahim, five-year starting quarterback Tanner Morgan, All-America center John Michael Schmitz, second-round NFL draft pick edge rusher Boye Mafe and productive wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell.
The next defining turn came on the other side of the ball. Minnesota finished 5-7 in Fleck’s first season, then opened 2018 with a defense that was giving up points in bunches. Maryland put up 42, Iowa scored 48 and Nebraska hit 53 as the Gophers stumbled to an 0-4 Big Ten start.
Then came the change that reset everything. After Illinois blasted Minnesota for 55 points and 656 yards, Fleck moved on from defensive coordinator Robb Smith and promoted defensive line coach Joe Rossi.
Rossi trimmed the system down and trusted the players to react instead of think so much. Minnesota closed 3-1, allowed just 14.8 points per game over that stretch and finished the season with a Quick Lane Bowl win over Georgia Tech.
In Other News...
Gophers Kicking Battle Just Took An Unexpected Turn
Minnesotas kicking competition has already taken on a little more intrigue, even before the Gophers have needed to sort out who will handle the job in games. Luke Drzewiecki, the new arrival in the room, had his eligibility for a fifth year affirmed by a Louisiana court, a development that keeps him in the mix as Minnesota works through its options at a position where reliability can shape a season.
Judge William Jorden granted an injunction for Drzewiecki and more than 40 other players in the class of 2022, removing one immediate question about his status. Drzewiecki was in uniform for Minnesotas season opener, though he was not expected to play, so the next step is less about whether he can stay available and more about how the Gophers choose to use him once the kicking battle settles in. [Read more 🡒]
Gophers Got The Easy Start They Needed But One Concern Remains
Minnesota got the kind of season-opening tuneup teams usually dream about, rolling past Eastern Illinois 59-7 and taking control early enough to spend much of the second half resting starters. Darius Taylor scored three touchdowns, the defense held Eastern Illinois to 113 total yards, and the special teams had its own breakout moment in a game that was lopsided from the start.
The bigger test comes next, when the Gophers turn their attention to Mississippi State and the first real chance to see how much of that opening-day polish carries over. After a performance like this, Minnesota can feel good about its depth and its physical edge, but the schedule is about to ask more difficult questions in a hurry. [Read more 🡒]
Gophers Delivered The Start Fans Wanted Before A Bigger Test Arrives
Minnesota got the kind of season-opening start fans had been waiting to see, rolling past Eastern Illinois 59-7 with a balanced burst of offense and a special teams spark that quickly put the game out of reach. Drake Lindsey connected with Pierce Walsh for a touchdown pass, and the Gophers were in control long before the final margin reflected how one-sided the afternoon had become.
Javon Tracy gave the return game a jolt and Darius Taylor was just as effective on the ground, helping Minnesota build confidence before the schedule stiffens. Eastern Illinois did find the end zone once on a Cole LaCrue touchdown pass to Tyren Buggs, but the bigger question now is how much of this performance carries over when the Gophers face a far tougher test next. [Read more 🡒]