Nick Monroe, cornerbacks coach and co-defensive coordinator of the Gophers, gave the team speech the week after the season-opening loss to North Carolina. PJ Fleck and his players were deeply touched by it.

Monroe, a Mahtomedi native and former St. Cloud State defensive back, was recruited to return to his home state from Syracuse in 2023. He was also involved in a serious car accident last offseason, according to Fleck.

“That was one of the best 10-minute Ted Talks I’ve ever heard,” Fleck said. “We gave him the ball because he was great. He’s a phenomenal football coach. He’s done a great job with these guys.”

The Gophers seemed inspired on both sides of the ball on Saturday, posting their biggest clean sheet win since 2006. Here are five things we learned from the game against Rhode Island.

What made Max Brosmer move from New Hampshire to the Gophers? It wasn’t just Fleck’s corporate culture. He saw an opportunity to be successful with the talent on the roster.

Returning All-Big Ten receiver Daniel Jackson was Brosmer’s main player in the opening loss to UNC, but others stepped up on Saturday. Elijah Spencer caught four balls for a team-leading 55 yards.

Jackson had four catches for 40 yards, but Brosmer’s first touchdown passes of the season went to Cristian Driver from six yards and Le’Meke Brockington from 29 yards to extend the lead to 31-0 in the third quarter.