Everything PJ Fleck said at his press conference as Minnesota prepares for Iowa
Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck met with the media on Monday and there was plenty to talk about.
The Gophers saw their 4-game win streak snapped in a shocking 14-6 home loss to Illinois. They travel to Iowa for an afternoon game on Nov. 13.
Quarterback Tanner Morgan threw 2 interceptions, one to open the game that directly led to an Illinois touchdown and one to effectively end the game and allow Illinois to kneel and run out the last 40 seconds of game clock. In between, the Illini controlled things. Running back Chase Brown continued his on-off streak of 100-yard rushing performance following up disappointing ones; he had 147 yards on the day.
It was not the kind of showing a coach hopes for after putting pen to paper on a shiny new contract extension, which Fleck did last week.
The Gophers (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) will look to bounce back against the Hawkeyes (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten) on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.
Here’s what Fleck had to say on Monday:
P.J. Fleck on Minnesota's offense vs. Illinois: "We didn't have a very good day. … We just didn't play our best football."
Says every time the Gophers had some momentum, there was a mistake, turnover, penalty that cost them.
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) November 8, 2021
Fleck gives shoutout to Illinois: "They're a lot better than people give them credit."
Was particularly impressed with the defensive line. Said the Illini made some plays in the 1st half.
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) November 8, 2021
Fleck on team's health & depth: "One of the consistencies has been inconsistence."
Still likes his team, says the Gophers are still "in the hunt" for the B1G West. That was the goal, to be in the conversation in November.
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) November 8, 2021
Fleck on Iowa's ability to create turnovers: "I think that's the name of the game. You have to win the turnover battle here. You have to."
"Anytime you play Iowa, somehow, someway, all 11 guys' eyes are on the football. You don't see that very much from teams."
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) November 8, 2021
Fleck was asked what he remembers about his last trip to play Iowa at Kinnick Stadium:
"We didn't win."
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) November 8, 2021
P.J. Fleck: "Everyone has challenges. Look at the Big Ten right now. That's what's great about college football."
Refers to an old Jim Tressel saying regarding why he loves college football: "You never know what you're gonna get."
(Also in Forrest Gump)
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) November 8, 2021
P.J. Fleck: "I can't say enough good things about what Kirk Ferentz has done at Iowa. He's a legendary coach."
Says Iowa's built a program based on strong OL and DL play.
— Dustin Schutte (@SchutteCFB) November 8, 2021
