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Minnesota’s PJ Fleck praises his offensive line, then backs off with criticism
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck likes what he seems from the Golden Gophers offensive line, but he doesn’t like it that much. He made that clear with one comment during his press conference Tuesday.
“I like our offensive line,” Fleck said. “But there’s not a senior on that offensive line right now. Just because I like them doesn’t mean their the best offensive line in America…They still have to get better.”
There aren’t any great traditional stats in which to judge an offensive line, but based on the numbers from Minnesota’s running game and pass protection, the offensive line could use a lot of work. The Golden Gophers are 11th in rushing yards per game and second-to-last in yards per carry in the Big Ten. Through three games, Minnesota has averaged 2.6 yards per rush.
Furthermore, the Golden Gophers have allowed 11 sacks in three contests, which is also second-worst in the B1G, and the only team worse is Illinois, who has played more games. Minnesota leads the B1G, allowing 3.67 sacks per week.
Based on those numbers, Fleck’s latter comments hold more truth — Minnesota’s offensive line still needs to get better.