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P.J. Fleck discusses beating ‘blue-blood programs,’ praises Minnesota’s fanbase following Outback Bowl win
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Minnesota put a nice exclamation point on a strong season in the Outback Bowl!
Entering the New Year’s Day game against Auburn, the Gophers had already secured their best win total since 2003. However, a win gives Minnesota 11 wins in a season for the first time since 1904!
While the score remained close all game long, it was Minnesota’s work in the trenches that proved to be the difference. The Gophers faced a tough Auburn defense but rushed for 215 yards while star receiver Tyler Johnson took home MVP honors with over 200 yards and two touchdowns.
RELATED: Tyler Johnson named Outback Bowl MVP following epic performance to finish career
After the win, head coach P.J. Fleck took the podium to discuss his team’s win. He praised the Gophers’ fanbase for making it feel like a home game in Tampa:
#Gophers coach PJ Fleck to @KFAN1003 about the maroon-and-gold crowd at Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla.:
“Felt like a home game,” he said.
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) January 1, 2020
After that, Fleck discussed his message to the team about trying to become a blue-blood program and praised the historic career of Johnson:
#Minnesota coach PJ Fleck: “I tell our team to be a blue-blood program you have to beat the blue-blood programs. We were able to do that today.” #OutbackBowl
— WDAE (Tampa Bay's Sports Radio) (@953WDAE) January 1, 2020
#Minnesota coach PJ Fleck after Tyler Johnson’s massive game: “He will leave here as the best wide receiver in Minnesota history. He just had 204 yards against one of the best defenses in the country.” #OutbackBowl
— WDAE (Tampa Bay's Sports Radio) (@953WDAE) January 1, 2020
Heading into 2020, the challenge for Minnesota will be to replicate the success experienced in 2019. After back-to-back bowl wins and an 11-win season, momentum is definitely on the side of Fleck and the Gophers.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.