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PJ Fleck explains decision to kick field goal to end 1st half
By Nick Schultz
Published:
The first half of Minnesota’s win over Maryland didn’t end well for the Golden Gophers.
Minnesota coach PJ Fleck decided to kick a field goal with 4 seconds left before halftime. The kick was blocked, meaning the Golden Gophers took a 17-10 lead into the break.
Fleck discussed the rationale for his decision in his postgame press conference, and he said having possession to start the second half was a big factor.
PJ Fleck on the blocked field goal to end the first half:
“If I would’ve known we were going to miss the field goal or get it blocked, I wouldn’t have kicked it. I thought if we make it, we’re up 20-10 and we get the ball (to start the third).” #Gophers @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/SisUGSTX3A
— Jeff Wald (@JeffWaldFox9) October 24, 2021
It didn’t prove to be too costly. Maryland only scored 6 points in the second half and Minnesota ended up winning 36-14. The Minnesota run game was strong, led by 139 yards and a touchdown from Ky Thomas. Mar’Keise Irving also had a big day, tallying 105 yards and a touchdown — the first of his carer — on 15 attempts.
Minnesota improved to 5-2 overall and 3-1 in B1G play with the victory. The Golden Gophers take on Northwestern next week.
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.