When the Gophers walked off the field on Nov. 3, 2018, it felt like the sky was falling. On a day in which Minnesota’s defense allowed 646 total yards and five explosive plays, many thought the program was still miles away from taking another step.
After a reeling Illinois team obliterated the Gophers, 55-31 in Champaign, the youngest team in college football reached its lowest point.
A few days later, Minnesota made a change at defensive coordinator. With just three weeks remaining in the 2018 season, head coach P.J. Fleck handed the play-calling duties to assistant Joe Rossi.