P.J. Fleck Addresses Wiping Blood on His Face from Baranowski in Viral Video After Minnesota's Win

Giving the game of football blood, sweat and tears may be something of a cliche, but Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck appeared to take it quite literally after his team's 27-24 victory over Washington in Saturday's Big Ten matchup.

Video captured Fleck wiping blood from around the mouth of linebacker Maverick Baranowski and then brushing it on his own cheek.

"Blood brother," Fleck said in the aftermath, per Luke Olson of the Associated Press. "... Back in the day, I'm sure that's what they did—the frontiersman out West. Little blood on there, I guess."

Olson noted Baranowski said he was bleeding because he was hit by a cleat on the final play of the game.

"He's a crazy man," the linebacker said of his coach.

Wide receiver Javon Tracy also addressed the move and said, "I would never do that, but P.J.—he's different, man. Like, he's crazy. He's very energetic."

Fleck was clearly fired up after the Golden Gophers won their Big Ten opener and bounced back from a previous loss to Mississippi State in nonconference play. Baranowski was a major part of the victory with seven tackles, one interception, two tackles for loss and one sack.

Tracy also played a key role with a touchdown reception in the second quarter to put the visitors ahead 21-7.

Washington eventually cut the deficit to just three points in the final two minutes, but Minnesota held on for the win.

Next up for the Golden Gophers is a home game against Michigan where they will look to build momentum and perhaps bleed a little less than they did in Saturday's victory.