Gophers coach Fleck reflects on loss to Iowa, looks ahead to matchup at Michigan

The Gophers, playing at home against a Power-4 opponent for the second time this season, were overwhelmed in the third quarter and a halftime touchdown lead turned into a loss.

The Gophers lost their season opener to North Carolina, 14-7, at halftime. The same score was Saturday against Iowa at Huntington Bank Stadium, and the Gophers lost.

Head coach PJ Fleck sat down with reporters, including KSTP Sports, on Monday morning to examine why the collapse against the Hawkeyes occurred and look ahead to Saturday’s matchup at No. 12 Michigan, which the Gophers trail by 10 points.

***Click on the video box above to watch Fleck’s press conference on Monday, September 23***

Fleck said a lack of tackling was one of the biggest reasons Iowa won by 17 in the third quarter. Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns.

Fleck also said he liked how his team responded to Sunday’s practice. Of course, there are some mental hurdles they have to overcome, like losing to a rival, but all things considered, he said the team is in a good spot.

The match is scheduled to start at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in Ann Arbor.