Chip chimes in:
15-yard penalty
P.J. Fleck's comment about "you all" wanting him fired after the Iowa loss was unnecessary and has shifted the conversation away from what should be a talker this week: the superb performance by freshman quarterback
Athan Kaliakmanis and the optimism that he created moving forward.
No Twin Cities media member or mainstream outlet called for Fleck to be fired. If people on a fan website message board or Twitter account went down that path, that's a silly overreaction by them that doesn't deserve one second of attention.
If that odd comment was Fleck's way of swiping at criticism of him, he needs to understand that valid criticism is part of the job he holds. He has elevated the program and in doing so raised expectations. He should welcome that. If the Gophers fall short of their own goals and fan expectations that are reasonable — which clearly was the case this season — criticism will follow. That's just part of the deal.
Football Across Minnesota:<b> </b>Bethel's surprising playoff victory came 30 hours after landing in Oregon. Bryan Cupito has found a new football love: the Phelps Falcons. More on P.J. Fleck's "you all" comment, Justin Jefferson's greatness and more.
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Go Gophers!!