P.J. Fleck recalls antsy moments of Nebraska win, father-son greatness for Washington

INDIANAPOLIS — P.J. Fleck spoke it into existence.

Late in Minnesota’s 13-10 win over Nebraska to start the 2023 season, the Gophers trailed 10-3 with fewer than five minutes left. Fleck was antsy, he recalled Thursday at Big Ten Media Days, and so he barked at his then-defensive coordinator, Joe Rossi.

“JOE!” Fleck said into his Lucas Oil Stadium microphone, simulating the moment. “We need a damn TAKEAWAY!”

On the next play, Fleck said, the Gophers forced a fumble of Husker running back Anthony Grant.

“I’m like “Thank you, Joe!” Fleck said. “That’s all I needed. I guess you just have to ask and you’ll get one.”

Minnesota got another with 58 seconds left in the game when NU quarterback Jeff Sims threw an interception. The Gophers proceeded to win the game with a field goal.

Washington linebacker Carson Bruener can’t recall whether his dad, Mark, told him about the time the 1991 Huskies beat Nebraska in Memorial Stadium. They’ve had so many conversations about so many Washington football games over the years.

Mark Bruener was a freshman tight end on the ’91 Washington team that won part of a national title. The Huskies’ season got a major jolt from a 36-21 win at Nebraska — UW scored the final 27 points.

Carson, the son, has amassed 201 career tackles and three forced fumbles in three seasons. He starred on the 2023 Husky squad that finished 14-1 and played in the College Football Playoff national title game.

They’ve debated which team was better.

“We couldn’t come to an agreement,” Carson said. “He said, ‘Back in the day, you wouldn’t have wanted to play that team,’ but I said, ‘We had the star power.’ We couldn’t come to agreement. I guess we’ll never know.”