CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Instead of hiding under a hat like previous winning coaches in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, P.J. Fleck left his bald head uncovered, outstretched his arms and fully embraced the gallons of mayonnaise dumped over him after Minnesota’s 24-10 win over Virginia Tech at Bank of America Stadium on Friday. The Gophers head coach paid the price, needing a series of towels to get most of gooping condiment off of him and was even pushing it out of his ear during a local TV interview. He hugged mascot Goldy, but didn’t dare do so with wife Heather. She isn’t a fan of the stuff and gagged at the smell emanating off of her husband after a photo with him. Minnesota’s performance on the field was far from repulsive. The U offense produced 21-point second quarter and its defense, outside of two big plays, stifled the Hokies’ offense all night to win its eighth straight bowl since 2015, including all six under Fleck since 2018. “If they had 15 tubs of those, I would have done all 15,” Fleck said. “It’s worth it to be a champion at the end of the year. It’s one of the great traditions of bowl games.” The Gophers (8-5) were without seven starters due to opt outs, transfers and injuries, while Virginia Tech (6-7) was down 13 starters for those three reasons. Minnesota, a 9.5-point favorite, fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter, primarily due to a blown coverage on a 67-yard pass play, but took control after that. Max Brosmer and Darius Taylor each set single-season school records on the same second-quarter touchdown drive. Brosmer’s 259th completion broke Adam Weber’s mark set in 2007. Taylor’s 53rd reception topped Chuck Rios’ record for running backs set in 1994. Taylor capped the drive with a 28-yard touchdown run and finished with 113 yards rushing. Brosmer added 211 passing yards, with one touchdown pass and one interception. With top receiver Daniel Jackson needing a minor surgery and not playing, Elijah Spencer — who transferred to the U from Charlotte two years ago — totaled six receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns. The South Carolina native was named the bowl MVP in front of more than 20 family and friends. “It was big time,” Spencer said about the chance to play again in the Carolinas. “I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to front of all my friends and family. That was the biggest part I was looking forward to.” Spencer’s first touchdown came on a halfback pass from Taylor; his second was a 12-yarder connection with Brosmer. The Gophers’ defense set a season high with five sacks in a game. Jack Henderson had two; Anthony Smith and Danny Striggow each had one; Maverick Baranowski and Devon Williams recorded 1/2 sacks. Coordinator Corey Hetherman kept dialing up pressure packages to stifle Hokies backup quarterbacks Pop Watson and Collin Schlee. Henderson was surprised at how many were called. Up 24-10, Brosmer threw high to Spencer in the fourth quarter. The ball was tipped and intercepted by Hokies defensive back Dante Lovett, who returned it to the Gophers’ 15-yard line, but U cornerback Za’Quan Bryan killed the brief comeback bid with an interception on fourth down and a 30-yard return. Once Minnesota faked a tush push on fourth and 1 and Brosmer completed a pop pass to Jameson Geers to ice the game, Fleck started to think about the mayo bath. He changed into a Duke’s Mayo tie for the dousing and had showered it all off before celebrating with his players. “Good on (Fleck) for taking it how he did because I don’t know,” Henderson said. “I would not be up for that kind of thing.” Related Articles College Sports | Gophers down seven starters for Duke’s Mayo Bowl College Sports | Gophers’ rising star Anthony Smith wants to be NFL first-rounder College Sports | Gophers football vs. Virginia Tech: Keys to game, how to watch, and who has the edge College Sports | Which positions will Gophers keep looking to add via NCAA transfer portal? College Sports | Inside look at quarterback Max Brosmer’s graduate-level preparation and play for Gophers