P.J. Fleck and the Gophers were put in a tricky spot when defensive coordinator Corey Heatherman left for Miami (FL) late in the 2025 offseason. Fleck promoted longtime assistant Danny Collins into the DC role, and after his defense allowed an average of 27.4 points in his first 10 games against FBS competition, Collins appears to have found his groove.
Things began to improve in last year’s regular season finale against Wisconsin and the bowl game against New Mexico. This season, after struggling against Heisman Trophy candidate Kamario Taylor and Mississippi State, Minnesota’s defense has looked great against Akron and Washington.
Last 5 games against FBS opponents
- Matchups: Wisconsin (home), New Mexico (bowl game), Mississippi State (home), Akron (home), Washington (away)
- Points allowed per game: 20.4
- Total yards allowed per game: 290.2
- Rushing yards allowed per game: 108.4
- Passing yards allowed per game: 181.8
There’s often a learning curve for first-time play callers. Going from being a position coach to coordinator is a huge jump in responsibility. Collins learned that firsthand when his defense allowed 35 or more points four times in his first season. Has Minnesota’s defense been dominant this season? No, but they’ve shown dramatic improvement compared to a year ago.
And the five-game numbers above include the 38-point, 479-yard clunker against Mississippi State…