Charlotte, N.C. — With a tub of mayonnaise poised overhead, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck embraced the moment. Shouting, “Make it a double!” Fleck braced himself as the Duke’s Mayo Bowl tradition came to life.
Wearing a Duke’s Mayo necktie, Fleck was doused with the condiment as his players chanted “Mayo! Mayo!” on a brisk 40-degree evening. The unique celebration marked the Golden Gophers’ 24-10 victory over Virginia Tech on Friday night, capping another successful bowl season.
“If they had 15 tubs, I’d have taken them all,” said Fleck, 44. “It’s worth it to be a champion at the end of the year.”
Golden Gophers Shine on Both Sides of the Ball
Minnesota (8-5) extended its bowl-winning streak to eight games thanks to strong performances from quarterback Max Brosmer, who threw for 211 yards and a touchdown, and running back Darius Taylor, who contributed 113 rushing yards, a touchdown, and a passing score.
Wide receiver Elijah Spencer, a Charlotte native, returned to his hometown and delivered six receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns, earning game MVP honors.
“It was special to play in front of my family and friends again,” Spencer said. “Many of them haven’t seen me play since I transferred to Minnesota. Playing in my backyard was a dream.”
Fleck praised Spencer’s journey: “It’s ironic and fitting that his career ended here. He gave us two great years.”
Meanwhile, Virginia Tech (6-7) struggled offensively, managing only 223 total yards. Backup quarterback Collins Schlee scored the Hokies’ lone touchdown, while receiver Ayden Greene recorded six catches for 115 yards.
A Game of Momentum Swings
Virginia Tech opened the scoring with Schlee’s 3-yard touchdown run following a 67-yard strike to Greene. However, Minnesota responded with a 21-point second quarter. Taylor connected with Spencer on a 10-yard halfback option pass before Brosmer found Spencer for another score. Taylor capped the surge with a 28-yard touchdown run.
The Hokies had opportunities to close the gap. Dante Lovett’s fourth-quarter interception set Virginia Tech up at Minnesota’s 15-yard line, but their hopes were dashed when Za’Quan Bryan picked off a William Watson pass in the end zone with 4:24 left.
“We moved the ball, but we couldn’t capitalize in the red zone,” said Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry. “You have to score when you get down there.”
Notable Highlights
- Bowl-Record Field Goal: Virginia Tech kicker John Love made history with a 60-yard field goal to close the first half.
- Mascot Surprise: Fans discovered that hip-hop legend Flavor Flav was secretly serving as “Tubby,” the bowl’s mayonnaise jar mascot. After the game, Flavor Flav helped pour the mayo on Fleck.
- Sideline Drama: Pry received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for leaving the coach’s box to argue a call. “We’ll fight for every inch,” he said.
Takeaways
- Minnesota: The Golden Gophers’ second-quarter explosion proved decisive. Fleck emphasized the importance of bowl traditions, saying, “This is what makes college bowl games special.”
- Virginia Tech: The Hokies faced challenges with 14 new starters following opt-outs and transfer portal departures. “I’m optimistic about where we’re headed,” Pry said.
The Golden Gophers celebrated their victory in unique style, further cementing the Duke’s Mayo Bowl as one of college football’s most entertaining traditions.
