Minnesota set off fireworks after missing game-winning field goal vs. North Carolina

Friday is not a good day to be a Minnesota fan.

The Gophers dropped their 2024 season opener to North Carolina , 19-17, on Thursday night. They did so in heartbreaking fashion, missing a 47-yard game-winning field goal attempt as time expired.

Related: Ranking the biggest storylines entering Wisconsin’s Week 1 contest vs. Western Michigan

The loss is a disastrous start to a pivotal year for the P.J. Fleck era at Minnesota. The team went 5-7 during the 2023 regular season and showed signs of steep regression. The loss to North Carolina continues that trend, especially given the team’s nonexistent offense.

Transfer quarterback Max Brosmer was supposed to be a significant upgrade over 2023 starter Athan Kaliakmanis. His Gopher debut against the Tar Heels included a pedestrian 13 of 21 passing for 166 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Minnesota offense managed 244 total yards in the loss.

To add insult to injury, somebody at Huntington Bank Stadium thought the field goal was good. So they shot of celebratory fireworks:

This captures the current state of Fleck era at Minnesota. A lot of flashy, bright lights all around the stadium, yet another loss on the field.

Minnesota has games upcoming against No. 25 Iowa , No. 9 Michigan , No. 23 USC , Maryland, Rutgers, No. 8 Penn State and Wisconsin. It looks like Gopher fans are in for a long season.

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