A cosmetic, magnifying mirror isn’t necessary to see the blemishes on the face of the Gophers football team’s two Big Ten wins.

They come with two ugly sore spots: blocking breakdowns continue to hinder the running game, and a plague of missed tackles routinely has set back the defense.

But Minnesota improved to 2-1 in Big Ten play on Saturday with a come-from-behind, 27-20 homecoming win over Purdue. The U did it primarily by taking care of the football (plus-three turnover margin) and being more disciplined (six fewer penalties) than the Boilermakers.

Purdue outgained Minnesota by nearly 200 yards, and possessed the ball for nine more minutes, but the U’s 10 points off turnovers were instrumental at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck was asked postgame about the s

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