P.J. Fleck
FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, file photo, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck enters the stadium with the team prior to the start of an NCAA college football game against Purdue, in Minneapolis. Fleck spoke for many coaches nationwide in December 2020, when he noted he still hadn’t shaken the hands of about half the prospects who were about to sign with his program. Those days finally are coming to an end. The NCAA has lifted the recruiting dead period that has been in place since March 13, 2020, due to the pandemic. The NCAA returns to its usual recruiting calendar Tuesday, June 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs, File)
End of recruiting pause has football programs catching up

By Steve Megargee Jun. 01, 2021 02:24 AM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 12, 2020, file photo, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck yells instructions during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb. Fleck and other college coaches across the country communicated with recruits via Zoom and offered virtual campus tours to prospects as pandemic-imposed restrictions prevented face-to-face contact. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)
Virtual recruiting strategies could stay after pandemic ends

By Steve Megargee Feb. 04, 2021 05:20 PM EST

FILE - This Dec. 9, 2017, file photo shows Army's Ahmad Bradshaw holding up the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy after Army defeated Navy in an NCAA college football game in Philadelphia. Army coach Jeff Monken is focused on one thing _ capturing the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. The Black Knights can take the first step toward winning the coveted hardware, emblematic of supremacy among the three service academies, when Air Force visits Michie Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
Army left out in Bowl Day marred by cancellations, opt outs

By Pat Graham Dec. 20, 2020 07:02 PM EST

Minnesota quarterback Zack Annexstad (5) walks off the field with teammates after Wisconsindefeated them in overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
The Latest: Independence Bowl canceled; Army in limbo

By The Associated Press Dec. 20, 2020 11:38 AM EST

Minnesota quarterback Zack Annexstad (5) walks off the field with teammates after Wisconsindefeated them in overtime of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Larsh's FG lifts Wisconsin past Minnesota 20-17 in OT

By Jim Hoehn Dec. 19, 2020 08:54 PM EST

FILE - Duke head coach David Cutcliffe watches his team play against Virginia Tech during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Durham, N.C., in this Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, file photo. The personal touch that helps coaches sell their programs to blue-chip prospects is missing from this year’s recruiting cycle. Restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic prevent face-to-face communication between players and coaches. (Nell Redmond/Pool Photo via AP, File)
'It's just weird': Pandemic uncertainty on recruiting trail

By Steve Megargee Dec. 15, 2020 02:39 PM EST

Minnesota linebacker Josh Aune (29) holds the ball and celebrates with defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) after Aune intercepted a Purdue pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 34-31. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota-Wisconsin highlights Big Ten undercard

By The Associated Press Dec. 13, 2020 04:23 PM EST

Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) tackles Minnesota's Philip Howard (2) during a punt return in first half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Gophers, missing 33 players, stun Huskers 24-17 after layoff

By Eric Olson Dec. 12, 2020 03:47 PM EST

Snow-covered cutouts of fans are seen in the stands prior to an NCAA college football game between Nebraska and Minnesota, in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Minnesota at Nebraska 12/12/2020

Dec. 12, 2020 11:31 AM EST

Minnesota linebacker Josh Aune (29) holds the ball after he intercepted a Purdue pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 34-31. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Huskers look to stack wins; Gophers play after virus layoff

By Eric Olson Dec. 10, 2020 03:52 PM EST

Northwestern's Drake Anderson (6) rushes against Michigan State's Xavier Henderson, rear, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Virus forces Gophers to cancel game vs. No. 16 Northwestern

By The Associated Press Nov. 30, 2020 01:12 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 19, 2019, file photo, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz talks with Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm, right, before an NCAA college football game in Iowa City, Iowa. Purdue offensive coordinator Brian Brohm went through his usual practice routine this week. He met with his older brother, Jeff, about game planning and the initial play-calling script as he prepared for Saturday's long-awaited season opener against Iowa. Less than a week after the Boilermakers fourth-year head coach tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced into isolation for 10 days, it's the other Brohm taking charge this weekend.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, FIle)
COVID-19 remains biggest opponent for Big Ten football teams

By Tom Canavan Nov. 26, 2020 01:22 PM EST

Purdue running back Zander Horvath (40) tries to stay in the field of play against Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Late INT helps Minnesota hang on for 34-31 win over Purdue

By Dave Campbell Nov. 20, 2020 11:28 PM EST

Minnesota wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell is tackled by Purdue safety Brennan Thieneman, left, and linebacker Jaylan Alexander during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Purdue at Minnesota 11/20/2020

Nov. 20, 2020 09:15 PM EST

Iowa defensive lineman Zach VanValkenburg (97) sacks Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Minneapolis. Iowa won 35-7. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Gophers going through growing pains, as Boilermakers up next

By Dave Campbell Nov. 19, 2020 06:16 PM EST

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald talks to players on the bench during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
This year's Big Ten title chase shows defense still matters

By Steve Megargee Nov. 19, 2020 12:22 PM EST

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, file photo, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, right, celebrates with wide receiver Tyler Johnson (6) after Johnson caught a touchdown pass during the second half of an NCAA football game against Northwestern, in Evanston, Ill. Fleck has never lacked for clever ways to connect and motivate his players. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty, File)
Light reading: Fleck regaling Gophers with pregame kid books

By Dave Campbell Nov. 16, 2020 12:25 PM EST

Iowa offensive lineman Justin Britt (63) lifts running back Tyler Goodson (15) in celebration after Goodson scored a touchdown against Minnesota during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Iowa drubs Minnesota 35-7 for 6th straight win for the pig

By Dave Campbell Nov. 13, 2020 10:36 PM EST

Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) scores during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Ibrahim's 4TDs carries Minnesota past Illini 41-14

Nov. 07, 2020 07:35 PM EST

Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, in Champaign , Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Minnesota at Illinois 11/7/2020

Nov. 07, 2020 05:37 PM EST