Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck addresses scoring in win over Eastern Illinois

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 4:16 PM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

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Summary

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck defended his team’s late-game play following a 59-7 victory over Eastern Illinois at Huntington Bank Stadium on Thursday. With 29 seconds remaining and the Gophers already holding a 45-point lead, running back Xavier Ford scored a touchdown rather than taking a knee. Fleck addressed Eastern Illinois coach Chris Wilkerson at midfield after the game, stating that the decision was based on giving developmental players opportunities rather than an intent to run up the score. Minnesota utilized 87 players in the contest, including 27 who made their collegiate debuts. Fleck noted that the program’s developmental model requires live snaps for younger athletes to ensure depth throughout the season. The Gophers are scheduled to host Mississippi State for their next game.

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By the Numbers

•Minnesota defeated Eastern Illinois 59-7 in the season opener.
•Fleck played 87 participants, including 27 players making their collegiate debuts.
•A final touchdown was scored by Xavier Ford with 29 seconds remaining.
•The team will face Mississippi State on September 10.
•Eastern Illinois received $500,000 for the nonconference matchup.

Latest Updates

4:16 PMYahoo Sports — Did Gophers coach P.J. Fleck run up the score on Eastern Illinois?

What they're saying

"
Gophers coach P.J. Fleck’s postgame handshake, chat and pat on the back with Eastern Illinois coach Chris Wilkerson was protracted after Minnesota’s 59-7 season-opening win. At midfield, Fleck felt the need to tell Wilkerson he was not running up the score when the U offense, already up 45 points, didn’t take a knee in the final minute and scored another touchdown with 29 seconds left. “I just ...
— Yahoo Sports

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