Minnesota overcomes personnel problems
MADISON – Not long after his 44th game as Minnesota’s head coach was in the books, P.J. Fleck stood in front of a screen featuring the school’s colors and beamed with pride.
“We just wanted our players to play with incredible effort and play for each other,” Fleck said after the Gophers’ 2417 victory at Nebraska, the team’s first game since Nov. 20. “And I thought they did that. They gave us everything they had.”
According to Minnesota officials, the Gophers were missing 33 players for their game against Nebraska. The reasons: COVID-19, injuries and opt-outs, the most noteworthy opt-out being wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
The Gophers (3-3) were missing their top three tight ends, were down to four defensive tackles and had to use two first-time starters on the offensive line.
“It has been well documented,” said Fleck, whose team faces Wisconsin at 3 p.m. Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium. “We had four D-tackles that made the trip. We had two tight ends that made the trip.
“We were one offensive lineman away from being in a really, really, really vulnerable position to get the game in.”
Despite the personnel issues, the Gophers rolled up 393 yards of offense (212 rushing, 181 passing), held the ball for 35 minutes 48 seconds and didn’t turn the ball over.
"I think first and foremost they showed how tough and united they are,” quarterback Tanner Morgan said of the new-look offensive line. “It doesn’t matter who’s in there they are going to play extremely hard, they’re going to play for each other for the benefit of the football team because everything starts up front.
“They set the tone for us today and they did an elite job and I’m so proud of those guys and the way they battled and played so hard today."
Tailback Mohamed Ibrahim, battling an apparent shoulder injury, rushed 20 times for 108 yards and two touchdowns and Morgan completed 17 of 30 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown.
“Our coaches did a great job of preparing everybody for their roles,” said Morgan, who has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 19 of the last 20 games. “Extremely proud of how our offense finished.”
The victory came 22 days after the Gophers’ previous game, a 34-31 victory over Purdue.
Rising COVID-19 numbers within the program led the Gophers to call off games against UW and Northwestern.
“We had a lot of challenges on our football team this week,” Fleck said. “We haven’t played in 22 days, everyone. I don’t think people truly realize how hard it is and the right timing, and the schedule, and the natural progression of what has to take place. …
“The process sounds easy especially when you have multiple games canceled and this one being close. You got to give them all the credit in the world. I’m really proud of them and our medical staff for making sure that we have a safe environment. It’s a very difficult thing to do in 2020 right now.”
The Gophers were missing 22 players when they defeated Purdue, a game Minnesota officials considered canceling.
“There is a mental, physical and emotional toll that this year has taken on everyone,” said Fleck, whose team was 1-3 after a 35-7 home loss to Iowa on Nov. 13. “To say that this is challenging is an understatement. This has been the hardest year I have ever had as a head coach. And I’ve been 1-11.”