In the 2014 game the Gophers got off to a slow start, but ended only 7 points down to the eventual national champion team. Of course that game was frigid, so better suited the Gopher's style of play.
Lots of opportunities to improve on recent history:
Beat Ohio State (first time in 21 years)
Beat Iowa away (first time in 22 years)
Beat Wisconsin at home (first time in 18 years)
Below is from the park website: https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks__destinations/parking-information/#event-parking-tab
Looks like they were going to not allow it in 2020, but have a "plan" to allow it this season...
Fleck can afford to be very patient. He has built up much goodwill with the fanbase and AD with his recent success. With the season last year resetting expectations, he can claim this season is the new YEAR 0. So he can just coast, don't get anyone important injured, and slowly build up young...