>> For getting to the Quick Lane Bowl with five victories and finishing in a tie for last in its division in the Big Ten, Gophers coach P.J. Fleck will get a $100,000 contract incentive bonus.

>> Fleck’s Gophers record against Michigan and Ohio State is 0-4. Predecessors Cal Stoll was 1-11 against those schools, John Gutekunst 1-11 and Glen Mason 1-9. Next year, Minnesota appears to be an underdog in at least six Big Ten games.

>> It’s not inconceivable that newcomers Washington and Oregon could play each other for the Big Ten championship next year.

>> Roseville High and University of Minnesota grad Niko Medved, who is expected to receive serious consideration if the Gophers make a men’s basketball coaching change, guided Colorado State (9-0) to a monumental 69-48 victory over No. 8 Creighton the other day.

>> Andrew Rhode, who left St. Thomas for a $450,000 ($150,000 per season) name, image and likeness (NIL) deal from Virginia, is paying off for the Cavaliers. The 6-6 sophomore guard hit a trio of three-point field goals in a 59-47 upset of No. 14 Texas A&M.

>> Pssst: DeLaSalle grad Jamison Battle, who scored 25 points for Ohio State in its 84-74 basketball victory over the Gophers a week ago, got a $150,000 NIL deal to leave Minnesota for his final season with the Buckeyes.

>> Don’t think that running back Darius Taylor isn’t getting a nice NIL package to return to the Gophers after leading the team in rushing his freshman season. Insiders say Taylor turned down a NIL sponsorship offer elsewhere before choosing to remain in Minnesota.

>> Departing Gopher Athan Kaliakmanis is not among the top 10-ranked QBs in the NCAA transfer portal, but neither is Max Brosmer, who is heading to the Gophers from New Hampshire.

>> It wouldn’t be surprising if the Twins next season consider an alternate telecast for some games that mirrors what ESPN’s Monday Night Football has done with its popular ManningCast with brothers Peyton and Eli Manning. Perhaps having a couple of former players chit-chatting as they watch the game with celebrity guests.

>> There remains little doubt that Timberwolves-Lynx buyers Alex Rodriguez and partner Marc Lore will threaten to relocate the franchises if they can’t get a new arena (anticipated cost could be nearly $1 billion) or major renovation of Target Center.

>> Rumors persist that a new Timberwolves arena could be sought on land just southeast of the Mall of America.

>> It still seems likely that Rodriguez and Lore will bring hall of fame ex-Timberwolf Kevin Garnett to the front office soon after they gain control.

>> Rodriguez, by the way, is on the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for a third time, but after receiving just 10.8 percent of votes a year ago, is an unlikely prospect again.

>> New head golf professional at North Oaks will be Brent Heit, who is leaving Stillwater Country Club after four years. Retiring North Oaks pro Ray Vennewitz last week was named Minnesota PGA golf professional of the year.

>> The Gophers baseball program, which has only 18 home games out of 52 on its overall 2024 schedule because it’s been booted out of U.S. Bank Stadium, has to dip into its privately raised enhancement fund for travel expenses.

Overheard

>> Ex-Vikings QB Tommy Kramer, after Minnesota lost to Chicago 12-10 on national TV, on X, the former Twitter: “I know times have changed, but it’s still hard watching the guys smiling and laughing after a loss with the other team.”