P.J. Fleck talks Rashod Bateman's big day, Minnesota learning from mistakes after win over SDSU

Minnesota got its 2019 season kicked off in the right direction when it defeated South Dakota State 28-21.

Sure, the Golden Gophers could have played better. But, a win is a win. A lot of teams would love to be 1-0 right now.

RELATED: P.J. Fleck praises South Dakota State

One of the plays that stood out in the seven-point victory on Thursday night was a catch from Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

It could arguably be the catch of the year in college football. Bateman impressed and on Tuesday, Fleck talked about a player who is becoming a household name:

Coach Fleck: "Last year we had Tyler Johnson but nobody knew about Rashod [Bateman]…He's not surprising anybody anymore."

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) September 3, 2019

We’ll see exactly how defenses adjust now that people know about Bateman. Will that help free up other players?

The other players — across the entire roster — have done a great job in the film room as well according to Fleck:

Coach Fleck: "It's one thing to tell a player something and teach them. It's another thing to show them…They've done a great time in film study this week being honest with themselves. When they see it they've been honest with themselves."

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) September 3, 2019

If the Gophers are continuing to showcase the talent they have and they are willing to learn and get better in the film room week in and week out, Minnesota may be a team to look for in the B1G West.

Minnesota travels to play Fresno State for Week 2 on Saturday, Sept. 7.