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P.J. Fleck finally got the monkey off his back, taking down Iowa 12-10, winning the Floyd of Rosedale for the first time in his career and the first time in Kinnick Stadium since 1999. Like most years, everyone circled Iowa and Wisconsin preseason and said if Minnesota could beat their rivals this season would be a success. Well, it’s been a roller coaster of a season so far, but Fleck has done one thing that most Gophers fans have begged for years and he’s taken down the Hawkeyes.
First Win in Kinnick Stadium Since 1999
Iowa was without its top two receivers Erick All, and Luke Lachey, and highlight transfer QB Cade McNamara. It was the Gophers’ opportunity to win in Kinnick Stadium, it seemed like it was now or never. Glen Mason was the last UMN head coach to win in Kinnick, 24 years later P.J. Fleck joins that exclusive group. This Iowa team is clearly not one of their best in that time frame, but these were the type of games that seemed like Minnesota would always lose. They “out-Iowa-ed” Iowa, which makes this win so much sweeter.
Paul Bunyan’s Axe + Floyd of Rosedale in Dinkytown for First Time since 1993
Many Gophers fans just ask for P.J. Fleck to beat Wisconsin and Iowa and he’s done just that. For the first time since 1993, Minnesota has both the Floyd of Rosedale and Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The timing of this win means so much for Fleck and the Gophers. Coming off an embarrassing road loss to Northwestern, and an embarrassing 52-10 home loss to Michigan. Heading into the bye week, fans and interest were really at their lowest since the pre-2019 season.
Now, one game out of first place in the Big Ten West and having both rivalry trophies, there is some energy reinvigorated into this season. With Michigan State and Illinois at home and then Purdue at home there is a real, but optimistic chance the Gophers are 7-3 going into Columbus on November 18th, something that seemed impossible this time last week. Winning your rivalry games can solve all the problems you have as a program, and Fleck has done that right now.
Fleck’s First Ranked-Road Win in Gophers Tenure
While many Gophers’ “first since ___” stats came from Saturday’s win, one that seriously went under the radar, was P.J. Fleck winning his first road game vs. a ranked opponent since becoming the Minnesota head coach. After taking down the Hawkeyes, Fleck moves to 4-14 all-time against ranked opponents with the Maroon & Gold. Rightfully so, this state should not be highlighted as much as the first two, but winning big games on the road is how you completely transform your season and P.J. Fleck has done just that.
I asked Gophers fans where this win ranks amongst Fleck’s best as Gophers head coach. While it certainly wasn’t pretty, I think this was his second most important. Taking down Penn State was obviously transformative for this program, and the Wisconsin game was monumental as well, but beating Iowa on the road this season after having one of your worst losses, is going to go a very long way in changing the feeling around the program.