Gophers looking forward to spoiling Nittany Lions’ Playoff hopes
Minnesota Coach P.J. Fleck adjusts his headset during a timeout in the fourth quarter against Nebraska Thursday August 31, 2023 at Huntington Bank Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
MINNEAPOLIS — The Golden Gophers are trying to accomplish something that they haven’t done at home since 2019, which is beat a top-five team.
Minnesota upset a top-five Penn State squad that year. Now the Golden Gophers’ head coach is looking forward to making history repeat itself, but that’s going to be easier said than done this time around. After all, the No. 4 Nittany Lions are looking to stay alive in the Playoff race, but the Golden Gophers have had an extra week to prepare.
Coach P.J. Fleck knows Penn State (9-1) has everything to lose, and will be coming to take care of business. There’s no denying that the Nittany Lions have way more talent on their roster, including John Mackey Award front-runner Tyler Warren, and elite edge rusher Abdul Carter. Coach James Franklin will want his team to make a statement, but should be expecting a dogfight. Which is why Fleck plans on throwing the kitchen sink at the opposition.
“When you’re looking at Penn State, Penn State has the ability to do a lot of different things, and they do it consistently,” Fleck said. “It’s a new wrinkle every week too, so rather its three different quarterbacks, unique formations, they’re going to give you things that you’ve never seen before, and you’re going to have to stop it.”
Quarterback Drew Allar has plenty of experience, and a bunch of weapons around him, including Warren, and a dynamic duo at running back that’ll present matchup problems for Minnesota’s defense. That’s why it’s going to be key for the home crowd to make life hard for Allar, and Penn State’s offense throughout the afternoon. The home fans delivered in the win over USC last month, and Fleck is demanding that same energy.
Max Brosmer is doing a solid job of leading the offense, and the gunslinger may have to match Allar blow for blow, if the game turns into a shootout. Regardless, Fleck feels his offense will be up to the task of facing the best defense the Golden Gophers will see all season. Defensive Coordinator Tom Allen knows the Big Ten like the back of his hand, has depth and Fleck anticipates he’ll try to get after Brosmer.
“What makes them really difficult to defend is they just rotate guys in and out,” he said. “They platooned the defensive line.”
It’s going to be crucial for Minnesota to play complimentary football. That means the Golden Gophers’ defense will have to do their part, and create turnovers. Not to mention the entire SEC will be rooting for a Minnesota victory, so that league can get more teams into the Playoffs.
The Golden Gophers must set the tone from the start, establish their presence in the trenches and make it a fourth quarter game. Minimizing Penn State’s explosive plays will go a long way in Fleck’s eyes.
“You’re going to have to play with real discipline with your eyes, be really good at tackling out in space and play really hard up front, but they have weapons everywhere, and that’s why they’re the No. 4 team in the country.”
