Schedule softens up for 3-3 Gophers
After playing one of their best games of the season in a 30-14 loss at No. 3 Ohio State, the Gophers tumbled back down with the news of domestic assault allegations against injured running back Shannon Brooks on Sunday morning.
The 22-year-old Brooks was released from a downtown Minneapolis facility on Monday afternoon. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said he can’t comment on the ongoing investigation at this point.
“I have about as much information as everybody else, so I tend not to comment on things — right now at this point,” Fleck said. “There will be a time I will.”
Brooks traveled to Columbus with the team but did not play due to a knee injury. After showing promise by opening the season with three straight wins, the Gophers (3-3) have tumbled back down to earth with three consecutive losses in Big Ten play.
All three losses — Maryland, Iowa and Ohio State — have been by 16 points or more. As the Gophers enter the second half of the season, they will benefit from an easier schedule, with winless Nebraska next followed by Indiana, Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern and Wisconsin.
The Gophers could potentially win five in a row heading into the Wisconsin regular-season finale. Fleck said the moral victory against the Buckeyes was a good sign, though he’s not a fan of anything but a win.
“We went there to win a football game,” Fleck said. “We didn’t win a football game. I’m focused on this young team growing and getting better. That’s exactly what we’re doing … We’re drawing a line. Season One was the first six (games), and now we’ve got Season Two coming up with the last six.”
The Gophers are not in a must-win situation against Nebraska but becoming bowl-eligible with six wins does make Saturday’s game crucial. The Cornhuskers are reeling in the first season under Scott Frost, but three of Nebraska’s losses are by a combined 13 points. Both teams start true freshmen at quarterback, so look for some mistakes and the team that is best able to capitalize will have a big edge in the game.