The boat has sunk for Minnesota this year

When Head Coach P.J. Fleck arrived in Minnesota a few years ago he brought with him his motto of “row the boat.”

Everything seemed to be working in the beginning for Fleck and the Golden Gophers, as their 11-2 2019 season was the best the program has seen in a long time.

It was enough of an accomplishment for the program that they made championship rings for their season–commemorating their Outback Bowl victory against Auburn, 11-2 record, Big Ten west first-place finish (tied) and more.

Yes, they included Big Ten West co-champions despite losing to the Badgers and not making the Big Ten Championship.

They understandably received comments on the “Big Ten West co-champions” part of the ring as, again, it was the Badgers that won the division.

The rings aside, Fleck’s team had Big Ten Championship aspirations entering this year. Now 1-3 through four games, it appears there is no longer a boat to row.

The season-opening 49-24 loss to then-No. 18 Michigan wasn’t the biggest disappointment.

The 45-44 overtime loss to Maryland and 35-7 blowout loss to Iowa since then, however, have taken Minnesota out of Big Ten West contention and have their season heading in the wrong direction.

It wasn’t pretty last night against Iowa, with the Gophers’ only touchdown coming at the end of the fourth quarter and Iowa dominating them on all sides of the football.

It also is fun to note that after penalties last night, Fleck himself has more penalty yards than the Wisconsin Badgers have this entire season (yes, I know they’ve only played one game).

The Gopher program could still be headed in the right direction. This year at least, sitting at 1-3 through four games, there is no longer a boat to row in Minnesota.

Gameday work: