PJ Fleck, Gophers search for identity after loss to Michigan

In other words, this Gophers team doesn’t resemble the run-heavy, hour-guzzling squads that posted 9-4 records in 2021 and 2022. Instead, the Gophers have increased their focus on the passing game, a defense that has shown it can force turnovers and a return game inspired by freshman Koi Perich, who set up a touchdown with a 60-yard punt return.

The Gophers, who fell to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the Big Ten, are confident they can repeat their fourth-quarter play going forward. That begins with Saturday’s visit to No. 11 USC (3-1, 1-1), the end of a three-game stretch that included Iowa and Michigan.

“We have to put it all together,” Fleck said. “The schedule brings out the best in us and sometimes the worst, especially early on. We have to find a way to win these three games and we haven’t been able to do that. That too is my responsibility, my fault, not theirs.”

Fleck’s postgame message to his players focused on the potential he saw in Saturday’s near miss at Michigan.

“I told them afterward, ‘We’re 2-3, and that’s what everyone’s going to tell us and judge us by,'” Fleck said. “‘These are the facts, on record. “But we’re a really good football team.”