Minnesota coach P. J. Fleck showed his intense side after a 27-24 road win over Washington, wiping blood from linebacker Maverick Baranowski’s mouth and smearing it on his own cheek.

Baranowski, bleeding from a cleat hit, called the moment 'blood brother' bonding. The Gophers secured their first road win since 2024, improving to 3-1. Baranowski, a senior, recorded seven tackles, a sack, and an interception, including one forced by Anthony Smith’s hit on quarterback Demond Williams Jr. Wide receiver Javon Tracy, who had seven catches for 41 yards and a touchdown, witnessed the emotional post-game embrace.

Fleck, who has coached Minnesota since 2017, praised Baranowski as the 'heartbeat of our defense,' comparing him to Blake Cashman and Robert Spillane. Drake Lindsey threw a 15-yard touchdown to Quayd Hendryx to open the game. Fleck, visibly bloodied, cleaned up but left stains on his sleeve.

Baranowski called the moment 'awesome,' thanking Fleck for always having his back.