The Gophers kept fighting on Saturday, but an abysmal start was too much to overcome, and Mississippi State handed them a 38-13 loss. It’s clear that this year’s team is talented, but P.J. Fleck’s coaching staff simply did not have them prepared in Week 2.
Minnesota welcomed an opponent from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to Minneapolis for the first time since 1959 and they didn’t look ready. Star Mississippi State quarterback Kamario Taylor carved up the Gophers’ defense for four straight scoring drives to begin the game.
If Fleck decided to move on from offensive coordinator Greg Harbaugh Jr. or defensive coordinator Danny Collins after last season, most people wouldn’t have been surprised. Both sides of the ball had objectively underwhelming campaigns, and the decision to retain both coordinators could prove to be costly.
Taylor and Mississippi State’s offense looked explosive in Week 1 against UL Monroe, and they have plenty of talent, but so does Minnesota’s defense. Anthony Smith was voted as the Preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and they have one of the most experienced pass rush units in the conference. That, mixed with a solid portal cycle, was plenty of reason to think there could be big improvements defensively…