Minnesota Gopher Football: Insights Everything Vital PJ Fleck Said on October 21st, “A must Know”

Here’s everything Minnesota Gopher football coach PJ Fleck said on October 21st prior to the Maryland Terrapins game

Minnesota head football coach PJ Fleck shares his thoughts as he reflects on the bye week and prepares for his team’s final game of October against the Maryland Terrapins.

Opening Statement

Minnesota Coach PJ Fleck: “Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here. I’m really looking forward to Homecoming this week and welcoming back our alumni and fans.

We’ve had three sellouts this year, and Mike Wierzbicki and Mills Armbruster have done an outstanding job of creating an electric atmosphere at Huntington Bank Stadium. I can’t wait for another exciting game this week.

After our bye week, one of our key goals was to get healthy and bring some players back. We also focused on self-scouting to evaluate what we’ve done well and where we need to improve. It’s a great opportunity to reflect and make adjustments on offense, defense, and special teams as we enter this crucial five-game stretch to finish the season.

We’re eager to implement those changes and focus on areas for improvement. Our staff also took time this past weekend to focus on recruiting, and I believe we achieved everything we set out to do during the bye week.

Now we turn our attention to Maryland. We had a Tuesday practice in the stadium last night, which was beneficial for our players. After being away from them for just a day and a half, it felt like an eternity. So, it was great to reconnect last night, and we had productive meetings and practice.

We have a strong opponent coming to Huntington Bank Stadium for Homecoming with Maryland, who just defeated USC.”

Minnesota Coach PJ Fleck on Offense, Defense, and Special Teams

On Self-Scouting the Offense and Offensive Line:
When reflecting on the offense, particularly the offensive line, Fleck emphasized, “When we fire off the ball with clarity, we perform well. However, we’re up against strong defensive lines, and running the football isn’t easy. While our pass protection could use some adjustments, it’s been solid against tough competition. It’s important to not only focus on who we’re facing, but also on tactics that opponents might exploit. Our offensive line is playing hard, and I’m proud of their effort. They’re battling every week against formidable opponents.

Looking ahead to Maryland, they bring a variety of challenges with their athletic and powerful front. Consistency and improvement across all positions are keys for us, and I appreciate our players’ willingness to work on their weaknesses. That drive to improve is crucial in coaching.”

On Evaluating Special Teams:
Fleck noted, “We’ve had both highs and lows with our special teams, which is common in football. The pursuit of perfection is ongoing, and while we strive for consistency, there’s always room to grow. We’ve identified areas for improvement but have also made some noteworthy advancements that can make special teams a game-changer. We consistently analyze ball security, tackling, and explosive plays, which are essential in every phase of the game.”

On Maryland’s Front Seven:
Fleck expressed his admiration for Maryland’s defensive front, stating, “They can shift between various alignments, and their size and agility make them formidable. Their defensive linemen shed blocks effectively, and their linebackers are very active. They use multiple fronts and pressures, creating unique challenges that require in-game adjustments.”

On Self-Scouting the Defense:
Fleck remarked, “When we look at our defense, it might sound mundane, but we need to focus on increasing our takeaways. While we’re performing well in this area, more takeaways are critical, especially in games we don’t win. Playing complimentary football means if one unit struggles, the others must pick up the slack. Every coach has areas to improve, and while we perform well in all three phases, there’s always something to work on.”

Coach PJ Fleck’s Insights on Team Defense, Freshman Impact, and Maryland’s Passing Game

On Defensive Improvement:
Looking back at the start of the season, coach Fleck emphasizes that the first game highlights areas for growth that the team needs to focus on throughout the year. He stresses the importance of improving tackling—both in open space and at the point of attack—through targeted tackling drills. Additionally, he notes the need to enhance takeaway opportunities, not just through interceptions but also by stripping the ball in the run game. Eliminating explosive plays in both the run and pass game is crucial. He believes that by addressing these aspects, the team can perform effectively, even against strong offensive teams like USC, who still managed to score 17 points despite the Aggies’ solid defensive effort. Fleck points out that successfully managing these elements will be key to winning.

On Freshman Koi Perich’s Impact:
Fleck discusses the remarkable contributions of freshman Koi Perich, noting that it’s rare for a true freshman to impact the game in so many ways, especially on defense and special teams. He compares Perich’s early achievements to those of Corey Davis and highlights the importance of preparation coming in. Despite arriving in June and not having gone through an offseason strength program, Perich’s readiness and the preparation by his position coach have made a significant difference. Fleck acknowledges how challenging it is for freshmen to establish themselves and commends Perich for rising to the challenge.

On Maryland’s Passing Game:
When discussing Maryland’s offense, Fleck acknowledges that their receiving corps is formidable, with standout players who have similar skill sets. He recognizes their ability to make challenging catches and highlights the quarterback’s talent for extending plays, which is particularly dangerous. Fleck notes that the quarterback’s ability to throw on the run and create opportunities makes their offense challenging to defend.

On Homecoming and Team Connectivity:
Fleck mentions the increasing number of former players returning during Homecoming, enhancing team connectivity and cultivating a strong program culture. He believes it’s essential for players to develop a deep love for their alma mater, feeling welcomed by the program regardless of changes in leadership or culture. Fleck emphasizes the significance of blending tradition with current culture, encapsulated in the phrase “Ski-U-Mah” representing tradition and “Row the Boat” symbolizing the present. He expresses gratitude for alumni support and their positive impact on the team, emphasizing the program’s commitment to delivering a strong performance on the field.

PJ Fleck on Cody Lindenberg’s Defensive Leadership

When discussing Cody’s ability to analyze plays, Minnesota coach PJ Fleck said: “For those who may not know, Cody (Lindenberg) wears the green dot on defense, which allows him to communicate directly with the coaches—something only he can do. While there’s plenty of coach-to-quarterback communication, not enough attention is given to the defensive player with the green dot, especially since he can receive instructions up to 15 seconds before the play. This has been invaluable for us.

Gone are the days of shouting commands onto the field, like ‘Look over here! We’re making a change! Tell #12 to do this!’ In loud environments, like a White Out at Penn State or our sellout games at Huntington Bank Stadium, it’s nearly impossible to hear that.

The direct communication between coaches and players on defense has been incredibly beneficial. Cody excels at managing this; he acts as the director of the defense, ensuring everyone is positioned correctly and clearly relaying what Coach Hetherman wants conveyed.

This includes not just the play call and adjustments, but also making sure that all players understand the key details. Cody has his own effective way of leading that defense, and we definitely perform better when he’s healthy. I believe that’s been evident in our play.”