P.J. Fleck
FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2020, file photo, Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) turns upfield against Auburn during the first half of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football gam in Tampa, Fla. Bateman has opted out of the 2020 season amid concerns about the coronavirus, forgoing his remaining two years of eligibility to enter the 2021 NFL draft. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
Gophers WR Bateman skips season amid virus worries, goes pro

By Dave Campbell 10 hrs ago

A directional arrow on a street points to the Signal Iduna Park, Germany's biggest stadium of Borussia Dortmund in Dortmund, Germany, Thursday, May 14, 2020. Bundesliga will now restart on May 16, 2020 when Borussia Dortmund will play the derby against FC Schalke 04 at home without spectators due to the coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The Latest: ACC expects only slight revenue hit this year

By The Associated Press May. 14, 2020 02:41 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2019, file photo, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. The coronavirus is preventing prospects from leaving home to visit campuses and is keeping college coaches from traveling to evaluate players across the country. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Virus sparks debate on whether more prospects will stay home

By Steve Megargee May. 12, 2020 02:20 AM EDT

A locked gate is seen by the Etihad Stadium where Manchester City was due to play Burnley in an English Premier League soccer match Saturday March 14, 2020, after all English soccer games were cancelled due to the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus. For most people, the new COVID-19 coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, but for some it can cause more severe illness.(AP Photo/Jon Super)
The Latest: North Carolina considering allowing NASCAR race

By The Associated Press Apr. 23, 2020 03:10 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2019, file photo, LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) celebrates his touchdown reception during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Texas A&M, in Baton Rouge, La. Chase was selected to The Associated Press All-America team, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
Trevor vs Justin; Bama vs LSU and other top stories in 2020

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 14, 2020 04:39 AM EST

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, right, hugs wide receiver Tyler Johnson after Minnesota defeated Auburn during the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Minnesota hires Mike Sanford Jr. as co-offensive coordinator

Jan. 03, 2020 03:44 PM EST

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a pass against Minnesota during the first half of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Johnson lifts No. 16 Minnesota over No. 9 Auburn in Outback

By Fred Goodall Jan. 01, 2020 05:46 PM EST

Minnesota, Auburn meet for 1st time in Outback Bowl

By The Associated Press Dec. 31, 2019 04:32 PM EST
Outback Bowl: No. 16 Minnesota (10-2, 7-2 Big 10) vs. No. 9 Auburn (9-3, 5-3 SEC), Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET (ESPN). Line: Auburn by 7. ...

Penn State football coach James Franklin voices his frustration with critics during an NCAA college football press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019, at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa. The Nittany Lions lost to Minnesota 31-26 last Saturday. (Abby Drey/Centre Daily Times via AP)
Penn State hires OC Kirk Ciarrocca away from Minnesota

Dec. 26, 2019 11:48 AM EST

Wisconsin running back Bradrick Shaw (7) holds Paul Bunyan's Axe in celebration after Wisconsin defeated Minnesota 38-17 in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Badgers get Axe back, blame Minnesota for too many displays

By Dave Campbell Nov. 30, 2019 09:52 PM EST

Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor runs during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
As Gophers aim for title game, Badgers seek to take back Axe

By Dave Campbell Nov. 29, 2019 10:21 AM EST

Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman (13) catches a touchdown pass against Northwestern safety Travis Whillock (7) during the first half of an NCAA football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Morgan’s 4 TD passes lead No. 11 Gophers past Wildcats 38-22

By Matt Carlson Nov. 23, 2019 03:37 PM EST

Northwestern's Evan Hull runs to score a touchdown against Massachusetts during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Jim Young)
No. 11 Minnesota looks to bounce back against Northwestern

By The Associated Press Nov. 21, 2019 03:42 PM EST

Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Purdue won 24-22. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Big Ten Spotlight: West Division coaches in long-term deals

By Keith Jenkins Nov. 21, 2019 01:55 PM EST

Minnesota football players hold up the Governor's Victory Bell after winning 31-26 against Penn State during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
In Minnesota, everyone’s aboard the Gophers boat

By Amy Forliti Nov. 20, 2019 03:34 PM EST

Iowa defensive lineman Brady Reiff, center, sacks Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Minnesota QB Morgan uncertain for next game with concussion

By Dave Campbell Nov. 19, 2019 02:49 PM EST

Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, left, celebrates with offensive lineman Kyler Schott, right, after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
No. 23 Iowa hands No. 7 Minnesota its first loss, 23-19

Nov. 16, 2019 07:33 PM EST

Iowa's Tyrone Tracy Jr. gets past Wisconsin's Jack Sanborn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 24-22. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
No. 7 Minnesota takes its perfect season to No. 23 Iowa

By Luke Meredith Nov. 15, 2019 03:00 AM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2019, file photo, Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) passes against Illinois in the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Minneapolis. Penn State (8-0) plays against Minnesota (8-0) on Saturday, Nov. 9. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)
No. 7 Minnesota making major strides in Ciarrocca’s offense

By Dave Campbell Nov. 13, 2019 07:56 PM EST

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck cheers his team during an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 31-26. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
No. 7 Minnesota seeks new era for long-languishing program

By Dave Campbell Nov. 10, 2019 02:33 PM EST