2010 Minnesota Golden Gophers Additional Information
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - Jeff Horton (Interim HC)
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches:
Tim Cross - Associate Head Coach - Defensive Line
Kevin Cosgrove - Co-Defensive Coordinator
Thomas Hammock - Co-Offensive Coordinator - Running Backs
Ronnie Lee - Co-Defensive Coordinator - Defensive Backs
John Butler - Assistant Coach - Linebackers/Special Teams
Tim Davis - Offensive Line/Running Game Coordinator
Derek Lewis - Assistant Coach - Tight Ends
Steve Watson - Assistant Coach - Wide Receivers
Jesse Nelson - Defensive Graduate Assistant
Daryl Agpalsa - Offensive Graduate Assistant
Jordan Gigli - Defensive Quality Control
Tony Sorrentino - Offensive Quality Control Assistant
Dan O'Brien - Director of Football Operations
Daniel Berezowitz - Recruiting Coordinator
John Sternquist - Assistant Recruiting Coordinator
Mark Hill - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Will Peoples - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Ed Lochrie - Head Football Trainer
Chris Ashton - Assistant Athletic Trainer
Adam Buchalski - Assistant Athletic Trainer
Kyle Gergely - Director of Equipment Operations
Andy Harris - Assistant Equipment Manager
Mike Schaaf - Director of Video Services
Greg Davis - Assistant Video Coordinator
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches:
Tim Cross - Associate Head Coach - Defensive Line
Kevin Cosgrove - Co-Defensive Coordinator
Thomas Hammock - Co-Offensive Coordinator - Running Backs
Ronnie Lee - Co-Defensive Coordinator - Defensive Backs
John Butler - Assistant Coach - Linebackers/Special Teams
Tim Davis - Offensive Line/Running Game Coordinator
Derek Lewis - Assistant Coach - Tight Ends
Steve Watson - Assistant Coach - Wide Receivers
Jesse Nelson - Defensive Graduate Assistant
Daryl Agpalsa - Offensive Graduate Assistant
Jordan Gigli - Defensive Quality Control
Tony Sorrentino - Offensive Quality Control Assistant
Dan O'Brien - Director of Football Operations
Daniel Berezowitz - Recruiting Coordinator
John Sternquist - Assistant Recruiting Coordinator
Mark Hill - Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Will Peoples - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach
Ed Lochrie - Head Football Trainer
Chris Ashton - Assistant Athletic Trainer
Adam Buchalski - Assistant Athletic Trainer
Kyle Gergely - Director of Equipment Operations
Andy Harris - Assistant Equipment Manager
Mike Schaaf - Director of Video Services
Greg Davis - Assistant Video Coordinator
Incoming Recruits:
2011 Verbals
Scout.com - #58 class - 9-3*, 6-2*, 0-N/R - 2.60* average
Rivals.com - #39 class - 12-3*, 1-2*, 2-N/R - 2.67* average
Quinn Bauducco LB 6-3 220 Moorpark, CA - 3*/3*
Cameron Brown WR 6-2 195 Frisco, TX - 2*/N-R
Devin Crawford-Tufts WR 6-2 180 Edina, MN - 2*/3*
Russell Houghton-James OT 6-5.5 285 Plantation, FL - 2*/3*
Matt LaCosse TE 6-6 215 Naperville, IL - 3*/3*
Jephette Matilus LB 6-1 215 Delray Beach, FL - 2*/3*
Kyle McAvoy OG 6-6 282 Bloomington, IL - 3*/3*
Luke McAvoy OT 6-6 275 Bloomington, IL - 3*/3*
Mike Moore LB 6-1 210 Dallas, TX - 3*/3*
Tom Olson OG 6-3 265 Mahtomedi, MN - 3*/3*
Samuel Oyenuga CB 6-0 162 Rowlett, TX - 2*/N-R
Sam Rohr TE 6-4 225 Brookfield, WI - 3*/2*
Max Shortell QB 6-4 205 Shawnee Mission, KS - 3*/3*
Marquise Vann LB 6-0.5 230 Fairfield, OH - 3*/3*
Peter Westerhaus TE Victoria, MN - 2*/3*
2010 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #72 class - 1-4*, 5-3*, 19-2*, 1-N/R - 2.23* average
Rivals.com - unranked - 2-4*, 18-3*, 6-2*, 0-N/R - 2.85* average
Tyrone Bouie CB 6-0 160 Sanford, FL - 2*/3*
Lamonte Edwards LB 6-2 215 Woodbury, MN - 3*/4*
Matt Eggen OT 6-5, 285 La Crosse, WI - 2*/3*
Zac Epping DT 6-3 275 Kenosha, WI - 2*/3*
Tiree Eure TE 6-6 240 Scranton, PA - 2*/3* - JUCO
Sean Ferguson DT 6-6 318 Princeton, NJ - 2*/3*
Jimmy Gjere OT 6-7 270 New Birghton, MN - 4*/4*
Marquise Hill WR 6-0 165 St. Louis, MO - 3*/3*
Logan Hutton WR 6-1 185 La Marque, TX - 2*/2*
Donnell Kirkwood RB 5-9 190 Delray Beach, FL - 2*/3*
Haold Legania DT 6-4 281 New Orleans, LA - 2*/3*
Mark Lenkiewicz OT 6-5 240 Tinley Park, IL - 3*/3*
Christyn Lewis CB 6-0 165 Glendora, CA - 2*/3* - JUCO
James Manuel S 6-2 190 Indianapolis, IN - 3*/3*
Dwayne Mitchell LB 6-2 220 New Orleans, LA - 2*/2*
Tom Parish QB 6-4 200 Hartland, WI - 3*/3*
Ben Perry DE 6-5 230 Southlake, TX - 2*/2*
J.D. Pride QB 6-1 187 Minneapolis, MN - 2*/2*
Jonathan Ragoo OT 6-6 320 Miami, FL - 2*/3*
Willie Tatum LB 6-3 205 Pickerington, OH - 2*/3*
Josh Taeaufa DE 6-2 265 Lake Dallas, TX - 2*/3*
Herschel Thornton S 6-2 213 SAcranton, PA - 2*/3* - JUCO
[strike]Dwight Tillman CB 5-11 184 Scranton, PA - 2*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
Brock Vereen CB 5-11 175 Valencia, CA - 2*/3*
Cameron Wilson WR 6-3 200 Rockwall, TX - N-R/2*
Devon Wright RB 6-1 185 Coral Springs, FL - 2*/3*
2009 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #46 class - 1-5*, 2-4*, 10-3*, 7-2* - 2.85* average
Rivals.com - #39 class - 0-5*, 3-4*, 15-3*, 2-2* - 3.05* average
Moses Alipate QB 6-6 228 Bloomington, MN - 3*/3*
Bryant Allen WR 6-0 165 Maplewood, MO - 3*/3*
[strike]Josh Campion OT 6-4 260 Fergus Falls, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
Hayo Carpenter WR 5-11 175 Santa Clarita, CA - 5*/4* - JUCO
Michael Carter CB 5-10 175 Pampano Beach, FL - 3*/4*
Matt Garin DE 6-4 220 Apple Valley, MN - 4*/3*
Kendall Gregory-McGhee TE 6-4 220 Aurora, CO - 3*/3*
Ra'shede Hageman TE 6-6 265 Minneapolis, MN - 4*/3*
Eric Jacques DT 6-2 285 Pampano Beach, FL - 2*/3*
Victor Keise WR 6-2 170 Coconut Creek, FL - 2*/3*
Kerry Lewis S 5-9 175 Lancaster, TX - 3*/3*
[strike]Hasan Lipscomb RB 5-11 190 Houston, TX - 3*/4*[/strike]
Brooks Michel OT 6-7 280 Carmel, IN - 3*/3*
Ed Olson OT 6-6 270 Mahtomedi, MN - 3*/3*
Dan Orseske K 6-3 195 Chicago, IL - 2*/2*
Nick Rengel DE 6-3 225 Sartell, MN - 2*/2*
[strike]Joe Searcy DE 6-1 280 Grand Prairie, TX - 2*/3*[/strike]
Brent Singleton S 6-0 195 Plantation, FL - 3*/3*
Kenny Watkins CB 6-0 195 Bloomfield, MI 2*/3*
Jeff Wills OT 6-6 350 Scranton, PA - 2*/3* - JUCO
Scout.com - #28 class - 6-4*, 11-3*, 12-2* - 2.79* average
Rivals.com - #17 class - 7-4*, 17-3*, 5-2* - 3.07* average
Xzavian Brandon WR 6-2 170 Atlanta, GA - 2*/2*
[strike]Tramaine Brock DB 6-0 180 Perkinston, MS - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Terrell Combs ATH 6-2 252 Lexington, KY - 2*/3*[/strike]
Keanon Cooper DB 6-0 190 Dallas, TX - 3*/4*
[strike]Tim Dandridge DB 6-1 175 Detroit, MI - 3*/3*[/strike]
Jewhan Edwards DT 6-1 338 Philadelphia , PA - 2*/3*
Deleon Eskridge RB 5-11 181 San Mateo, CA - 2*/3*
Ryan Grant LB 6-1 215 Eden Prairie, MN - 2*/2*
MarQueis Gray QB 6-4 220 Indianapolis, IN - 4*/4*
Brandon Green WR 6-0 167 Chicago, IL - 4*/4*
[strike]Vincent Hill WR 6-0 190 New Berlin, NY - 4*/4*[/strike]
Johnny Johnson DB 5-9 Chicago, IL - 2*/2*
Brandon Kirksey DE 6-3 250 St. Louis, MO - 3*/3*
Eric Lair TE 6-3 210 Houston, TX - 3*/3*
[strike]Simoni Lawrence DB 6-1 207 Upper Darby, PA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Sam Maresh LB 6-2 240 Champlin, MN - 3*/4*
[strike]Cedric McKinley DE 6-5 245 Perkinston, MS - 2*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Da'Jon McKnight DB 6-3 190 Dallas, TX - 2*/2*
[strike]John Nance ATH 6-4 185 St. Paul, MN - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]David Pittman ATH 5-11 195 Pasadena, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
Spencer Reeves LB 6-1 193 Dallas, TX - 3*/3*
Shady Salamon RB 5-10 175 5 St. Paul, MN - 3*/3*
[strike]Rex Sharpe LB 6-3 245 Yuma, AZ - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Traye Simmons DB 5-11 175 Visalia, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Brodrick Smith WR 6-3 200 Garden City, KS - 3*/3*[/strike]
Troy Stoudermire ATH 5-10 163 Dallas, TX - 2*/3*
Gary Tinsley LB 6-1 220 Jacksonville, FL - 2*/3*
[strike]Kevin Whaley RB 5-9 166 Virginia Beach, VA - 3*/3* [/strike]
D.L. Wilhite ATH 6-4 235 Lexington, KY - 2*/3*
2007 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #59 class - 1-4*, 7-3*, 15-2*, 1-1* - 2.33* average
Rivals.com - #57 class - 1-4*, 9-3*, 14-2*, 0-1* - 2.46* average
Duane Bennett RB 5-9 191 Fairview Heights, IL - 2*/2*
[strike]Clint Brewster QB 6-1 187 Denver, CO - 4*/3*[/strike]
Chris Bunders OL 6-3 306 Maple Grove, MN - 2*/3*
[strike]Justin Chatman ATH 5-9 162 Mesquite, TX - 3*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Marc Cheatham WR 6-2 210 Oakland, CA - 2*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Durrell Clark-James DB 6-0 195 San Francisco, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Ryan Collado DB 5-9 164 Cincinnati, OH - 2*/3*
Trey Davis OL 6-2 275 Farmington, MN - 3*/3*
[strike]Serge Elizee DT 6-1 310 Visalia, CA - 3*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Tray Herndon WR 5-10 166 Jacksonville, FL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Harold Howell ATH 5-8 160 Jacksonville, FL - 2*/2*[/strike]
Anthony Jacobs DE 6-2 265 Northfield, MN - 2*/4*
Collin McGarry TE 6-4 230 Stillwater, MN - 2*/2*
Ryan Orton OL 6-4 265 Eden Prairie, MN - 2*/3*
[strike]Shane Potter DB 6-1 195 Clearwater, MN - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Eric Small DE 6-2 275 Joliet, IL - 2*/2* - JUCO [/strike]
[strike]Ralph Spry WR 5-11 171 Auburn, AL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Andre Tate' RB 6-2 215 Mendota Heights, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
Kyle Theret DB 5-11 185 Denver, CO - 2*/2*
[strike]Curtis Thomas DB 6-1 190 Aldine, TX - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Jimmy Thompson WR 6-1 180 Hayward, WI - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Logan U'u LB 5-11 230 Oakland, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Damien White WR 6-0 170 Culver City, CA - 1*/2*[/strike]
Ryan Wynn OL 6-5 240 Plymouth, MN - 2*/2*
2006 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #62 class - 4-3*, 14-2*, 1-1* - 2.16* average
Rivals.com - #62 class - 8-3*, 11-2*, 0-1* - 2.42* average
Dominic Alford OL 6-2 308 Skaker Heights, OH - 2*/2*
[strike]Tommy Becker LB 6-2 230 Plymouth, MN - 2*/3*[/strike]
Andy Brinkhaus OL 6-4 270 Bloomington, MN - 2*/2*
Garrett Brown DT 6-2 286 Fairfield, CT - 2*/3*
R.J. Buckner DB 5-11 190 Keller, TX - 2*/2*
D.J. Burris OL 6-2 273 Kenton, OH - 2*/3*
[strike]Brylee Callender RB 6-0 195 Quincy, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Lee Campbell LB 6-3 220 Naples, FL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Duran Cooley DB 6-2 205 Los Angeles, CA - 1*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Willie Dyson DE 6-3 220 Kirkwood, MO - 3*/2*[/strike]
Eric Ellestad K 6-3 180 Brooklyn Park, MN - 2*/2*
[strike]Ben Fischer WR 6-2 180 Wausau, WI - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]E.J. Jones ATH 5-11 185 Edwardsville, IL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Robert McField DE 6-6 225 St. Louis, MO - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Sean McWhirter DE 6-4 245 Maple Plain, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Josh Robertson DB 5-11 175 Scranton, PA - 2*/2* -JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Terrence Sherrer RB 5-11 197 Cincinnati, OH 2*/3*[/strike]
Adam Weber QB 6-2 200 Shoreview, MN - 3*/3*
[strike]Mike Wey LB 6-3 230 Oak Creek, WI - 2*/2*[/strike]
2005 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #56 class - 1-4*, 4-3*, 12-2* - 2.35* average
Rivals.com - #62 class - 1-4*, 9-3*, 7-2* - 2.65* average
[strike]Mike Chambers WR 6-1 185 Cuyahoga Falls, OH - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Boyd Coleman CB 5-10.5 175 Marietta, GA - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Alex Daniels S 6-2 225 Columbus, OH - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Eric Decker WR 6-3 185 Cold Spring, MN - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Otis Hudson OL 6-5 295 Barrington, IL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Dominic Jones CB 5-9 185 Columbus, OH 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Marcel Jones QB 6-3 210 Inver Grove Heights, MN - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Keith Massey WR 6-1 192 Columbus, OH - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Michael McKelton S 5-11 172 Royal Palm Beach, FL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Chris Menson TE 6-6 240 Solon, IA - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Troy Reilly TE 6-7 235 Stevens Point, WI - 3*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Ryan Ruckdashel OL 6-6 265 Apple Valley, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Jason Sekinger OL 6-10 310 Galloway, OH - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Matt Stommes DE 6-7 235 Eden Valley, MN - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike] Nedward Tavale OL 6-2 301 St. Paul, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike] Jay Thomas RB 6-0 180 Oakdale, MN - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Nate Triplett LB 6-3 225 Delano, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
Name Pos Ht Wt Hometown - Scout/Rivals rating
Bold indicates starter
[strike]No longer on roster[/strike]
Behind the Numbers2011 Verbals
Scout.com - #58 class - 9-3*, 6-2*, 0-N/R - 2.60* average
Rivals.com - #39 class - 12-3*, 1-2*, 2-N/R - 2.67* average
Quinn Bauducco LB 6-3 220 Moorpark, CA - 3*/3*
Cameron Brown WR 6-2 195 Frisco, TX - 2*/N-R
Devin Crawford-Tufts WR 6-2 180 Edina, MN - 2*/3*
Russell Houghton-James OT 6-5.5 285 Plantation, FL - 2*/3*
Matt LaCosse TE 6-6 215 Naperville, IL - 3*/3*
Jephette Matilus LB 6-1 215 Delray Beach, FL - 2*/3*
Kyle McAvoy OG 6-6 282 Bloomington, IL - 3*/3*
Luke McAvoy OT 6-6 275 Bloomington, IL - 3*/3*
Mike Moore LB 6-1 210 Dallas, TX - 3*/3*
Tom Olson OG 6-3 265 Mahtomedi, MN - 3*/3*
Samuel Oyenuga CB 6-0 162 Rowlett, TX - 2*/N-R
Sam Rohr TE 6-4 225 Brookfield, WI - 3*/2*
Max Shortell QB 6-4 205 Shawnee Mission, KS - 3*/3*
Marquise Vann LB 6-0.5 230 Fairfield, OH - 3*/3*
Peter Westerhaus TE Victoria, MN - 2*/3*
2010 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #72 class - 1-4*, 5-3*, 19-2*, 1-N/R - 2.23* average
Rivals.com - unranked - 2-4*, 18-3*, 6-2*, 0-N/R - 2.85* average
Tyrone Bouie CB 6-0 160 Sanford, FL - 2*/3*
Lamonte Edwards LB 6-2 215 Woodbury, MN - 3*/4*
Matt Eggen OT 6-5, 285 La Crosse, WI - 2*/3*
Zac Epping DT 6-3 275 Kenosha, WI - 2*/3*
Tiree Eure TE 6-6 240 Scranton, PA - 2*/3* - JUCO
Sean Ferguson DT 6-6 318 Princeton, NJ - 2*/3*
Jimmy Gjere OT 6-7 270 New Birghton, MN - 4*/4*
Marquise Hill WR 6-0 165 St. Louis, MO - 3*/3*
Logan Hutton WR 6-1 185 La Marque, TX - 2*/2*
Donnell Kirkwood RB 5-9 190 Delray Beach, FL - 2*/3*
Haold Legania DT 6-4 281 New Orleans, LA - 2*/3*
Mark Lenkiewicz OT 6-5 240 Tinley Park, IL - 3*/3*
Christyn Lewis CB 6-0 165 Glendora, CA - 2*/3* - JUCO
James Manuel S 6-2 190 Indianapolis, IN - 3*/3*
Dwayne Mitchell LB 6-2 220 New Orleans, LA - 2*/2*
Tom Parish QB 6-4 200 Hartland, WI - 3*/3*
Ben Perry DE 6-5 230 Southlake, TX - 2*/2*
J.D. Pride QB 6-1 187 Minneapolis, MN - 2*/2*
Jonathan Ragoo OT 6-6 320 Miami, FL - 2*/3*
Willie Tatum LB 6-3 205 Pickerington, OH - 2*/3*
Josh Taeaufa DE 6-2 265 Lake Dallas, TX - 2*/3*
Herschel Thornton S 6-2 213 SAcranton, PA - 2*/3* - JUCO
[strike]Dwight Tillman CB 5-11 184 Scranton, PA - 2*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
Brock Vereen CB 5-11 175 Valencia, CA - 2*/3*
Cameron Wilson WR 6-3 200 Rockwall, TX - N-R/2*
Devon Wright RB 6-1 185 Coral Springs, FL - 2*/3*
2009 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #46 class - 1-5*, 2-4*, 10-3*, 7-2* - 2.85* average
Rivals.com - #39 class - 0-5*, 3-4*, 15-3*, 2-2* - 3.05* average
Moses Alipate QB 6-6 228 Bloomington, MN - 3*/3*
Bryant Allen WR 6-0 165 Maplewood, MO - 3*/3*
[strike]Josh Campion OT 6-4 260 Fergus Falls, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
Hayo Carpenter WR 5-11 175 Santa Clarita, CA - 5*/4* - JUCO
Michael Carter CB 5-10 175 Pampano Beach, FL - 3*/4*
Matt Garin DE 6-4 220 Apple Valley, MN - 4*/3*
Kendall Gregory-McGhee TE 6-4 220 Aurora, CO - 3*/3*
Ra'shede Hageman TE 6-6 265 Minneapolis, MN - 4*/3*
Eric Jacques DT 6-2 285 Pampano Beach, FL - 2*/3*
Victor Keise WR 6-2 170 Coconut Creek, FL - 2*/3*
Kerry Lewis S 5-9 175 Lancaster, TX - 3*/3*
[strike]Hasan Lipscomb RB 5-11 190 Houston, TX - 3*/4*[/strike]
Brooks Michel OT 6-7 280 Carmel, IN - 3*/3*
Ed Olson OT 6-6 270 Mahtomedi, MN - 3*/3*
Dan Orseske K 6-3 195 Chicago, IL - 2*/2*
Nick Rengel DE 6-3 225 Sartell, MN - 2*/2*
[strike]Joe Searcy DE 6-1 280 Grand Prairie, TX - 2*/3*[/strike]
Brent Singleton S 6-0 195 Plantation, FL - 3*/3*
Kenny Watkins CB 6-0 195 Bloomfield, MI 2*/3*
Jeff Wills OT 6-6 350 Scranton, PA - 2*/3* - JUCO
2008 Recruiting Class
Rivals.com - #17 class - 7-4*, 17-3*, 5-2* - 3.07* average
Xzavian Brandon WR 6-2 170 Atlanta, GA - 2*/2*
[strike]Tramaine Brock DB 6-0 180 Perkinston, MS - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Terrell Combs ATH 6-2 252 Lexington, KY - 2*/3*[/strike]
Keanon Cooper DB 6-0 190 Dallas, TX - 3*/4*
[strike]Tim Dandridge DB 6-1 175 Detroit, MI - 3*/3*[/strike]
Jewhan Edwards DT 6-1 338 Philadelphia , PA - 2*/3*
Deleon Eskridge RB 5-11 181 San Mateo, CA - 2*/3*
Ryan Grant LB 6-1 215 Eden Prairie, MN - 2*/2*
MarQueis Gray QB 6-4 220 Indianapolis, IN - 4*/4*
Brandon Green WR 6-0 167 Chicago, IL - 4*/4*
[strike]Vincent Hill WR 6-0 190 New Berlin, NY - 4*/4*[/strike]
Johnny Johnson DB 5-9 Chicago, IL - 2*/2*
Brandon Kirksey DE 6-3 250 St. Louis, MO - 3*/3*
Eric Lair TE 6-3 210 Houston, TX - 3*/3*
[strike]Simoni Lawrence DB 6-1 207 Upper Darby, PA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Sam Maresh LB 6-2 240 Champlin, MN - 3*/4*
[strike]Cedric McKinley DE 6-5 245 Perkinston, MS - 2*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Da'Jon McKnight DB 6-3 190 Dallas, TX - 2*/2*
[strike]John Nance ATH 6-4 185 St. Paul, MN - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]David Pittman ATH 5-11 195 Pasadena, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
Spencer Reeves LB 6-1 193 Dallas, TX - 3*/3*
Shady Salamon RB 5-10 175 5 St. Paul, MN - 3*/3*
[strike]Rex Sharpe LB 6-3 245 Yuma, AZ - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Traye Simmons DB 5-11 175 Visalia, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Brodrick Smith WR 6-3 200 Garden City, KS - 3*/3*[/strike]
Troy Stoudermire ATH 5-10 163 Dallas, TX - 2*/3*
Gary Tinsley LB 6-1 220 Jacksonville, FL - 2*/3*
[strike]Kevin Whaley RB 5-9 166 Virginia Beach, VA - 3*/3* [/strike]
D.L. Wilhite ATH 6-4 235 Lexington, KY - 2*/3*
2007 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #59 class - 1-4*, 7-3*, 15-2*, 1-1* - 2.33* average
Rivals.com - #57 class - 1-4*, 9-3*, 14-2*, 0-1* - 2.46* average
Duane Bennett RB 5-9 191 Fairview Heights, IL - 2*/2*
[strike]Clint Brewster QB 6-1 187 Denver, CO - 4*/3*[/strike]
Chris Bunders OL 6-3 306 Maple Grove, MN - 2*/3*
[strike]Justin Chatman ATH 5-9 162 Mesquite, TX - 3*/2* [/strike]
[strike]Marc Cheatham WR 6-2 210 Oakland, CA - 2*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Durrell Clark-James DB 6-0 195 San Francisco, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Ryan Collado DB 5-9 164 Cincinnati, OH - 2*/3*
Trey Davis OL 6-2 275 Farmington, MN - 3*/3*
[strike]Serge Elizee DT 6-1 310 Visalia, CA - 3*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Tray Herndon WR 5-10 166 Jacksonville, FL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Harold Howell ATH 5-8 160 Jacksonville, FL - 2*/2*[/strike]
Anthony Jacobs DE 6-2 265 Northfield, MN - 2*/4*
Collin McGarry TE 6-4 230 Stillwater, MN - 2*/2*
Ryan Orton OL 6-4 265 Eden Prairie, MN - 2*/3*
[strike]Shane Potter DB 6-1 195 Clearwater, MN - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Eric Small DE 6-2 275 Joliet, IL - 2*/2* - JUCO [/strike]
[strike]Ralph Spry WR 5-11 171 Auburn, AL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Andre Tate' RB 6-2 215 Mendota Heights, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
Kyle Theret DB 5-11 185 Denver, CO - 2*/2*
[strike]Curtis Thomas DB 6-1 190 Aldine, TX - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Jimmy Thompson WR 6-1 180 Hayward, WI - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Logan U'u LB 5-11 230 Oakland, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Damien White WR 6-0 170 Culver City, CA - 1*/2*[/strike]
Ryan Wynn OL 6-5 240 Plymouth, MN - 2*/2*
2006 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #62 class - 4-3*, 14-2*, 1-1* - 2.16* average
Rivals.com - #62 class - 8-3*, 11-2*, 0-1* - 2.42* average
Dominic Alford OL 6-2 308 Skaker Heights, OH - 2*/2*
[strike]Tommy Becker LB 6-2 230 Plymouth, MN - 2*/3*[/strike]
Andy Brinkhaus OL 6-4 270 Bloomington, MN - 2*/2*
Garrett Brown DT 6-2 286 Fairfield, CT - 2*/3*
R.J. Buckner DB 5-11 190 Keller, TX - 2*/2*
D.J. Burris OL 6-2 273 Kenton, OH - 2*/3*
[strike]Brylee Callender RB 6-0 195 Quincy, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Lee Campbell LB 6-3 220 Naples, FL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Duran Cooley DB 6-2 205 Los Angeles, CA - 1*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Willie Dyson DE 6-3 220 Kirkwood, MO - 3*/2*[/strike]
Eric Ellestad K 6-3 180 Brooklyn Park, MN - 2*/2*
[strike]Ben Fischer WR 6-2 180 Wausau, WI - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]E.J. Jones ATH 5-11 185 Edwardsville, IL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Robert McField DE 6-6 225 St. Louis, MO - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Sean McWhirter DE 6-4 245 Maple Plain, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Josh Robertson DB 5-11 175 Scranton, PA - 2*/2* -JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Terrence Sherrer RB 5-11 197 Cincinnati, OH 2*/3*[/strike]
Adam Weber QB 6-2 200 Shoreview, MN - 3*/3*
[strike]Mike Wey LB 6-3 230 Oak Creek, WI - 2*/2*[/strike]
2005 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #56 class - 1-4*, 4-3*, 12-2* - 2.35* average
Rivals.com - #62 class - 1-4*, 9-3*, 7-2* - 2.65* average
[strike]Mike Chambers WR 6-1 185 Cuyahoga Falls, OH - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Boyd Coleman CB 5-10.5 175 Marietta, GA - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Alex Daniels S 6-2 225 Columbus, OH - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Eric Decker WR 6-3 185 Cold Spring, MN - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Otis Hudson OL 6-5 295 Barrington, IL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Dominic Jones CB 5-9 185 Columbus, OH 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Marcel Jones QB 6-3 210 Inver Grove Heights, MN - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Keith Massey WR 6-1 192 Columbus, OH - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Michael McKelton S 5-11 172 Royal Palm Beach, FL - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Chris Menson TE 6-6 240 Solon, IA - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Troy Reilly TE 6-7 235 Stevens Point, WI - 3*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Ryan Ruckdashel OL 6-6 265 Apple Valley, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Jason Sekinger OL 6-10 310 Galloway, OH - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Matt Stommes DE 6-7 235 Eden Valley, MN - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike] Nedward Tavale OL 6-2 301 St. Paul, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike] Jay Thomas RB 6-0 180 Oakdale, MN - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Nate Triplett LB 6-3 225 Delano, MN - 3*/3*[/strike]
Name Pos Ht Wt Hometown - Scout/Rivals rating
Bold indicates starter
[strike]No longer on roster[/strike]
Mediocre Minnesota Offense
The Buckeyes did what they were supposed to last week in shutting out one of the worst offenses in the league. This week they face a slightly sterner test, as the Gophers are slightly above average in total offense and slightly below average in scoring offense, both in terms of DSA and by traditional rankings.
Though slightly below the Mendoza line in point productions, Minnesota is remarkably consistent. In 5 of their 8 games they have produced between 21 and 24 points, and have ventured more than 4 points outside this range only once, when they scored 38 against FCS South Dakota.
The upshot here is that, while the Gophers do not rank in the top half of the conference in any offensive category, it will nevertheless be difficult for the Buckeyes to notch consecutive shut-outs for the first time since September 2009. When one considers the Gophers lackluster running game however, it remains within the realm of possibility. See the DSA section for details.
Non-Mediocre Minnesota Defense
Comparing the defenses for Saturday's contest is not very complicated. It's just a matter of showing the conference rank in the major categories.
Category_________OSU Rank_____Minne Rank
Yards Per Pass____First________Worst
Pass Effic. Def.__First________Worst
Yards Per Rush____First________Worst
Yards Per Play____First________Worst
Scoring Defense___First________Worst
Total Defense_____First________Tenth (thanks Michigan)
Although Minnesota ranks last in the conference in Rushing Defense and sixth in Pass Defense, a quick look behind those numbers suggests that this isn't because they are better against the pass than the run. At 190 attempts, Minnesota has had fewer passes attempted against them than have been thrown vs. any other conference team. Teams simply don't need to throw against them. When their opponents do throw the ball however, they don't meet with much resistance. Of the 119 FBS teams with a better name than the "Golden Gophers", only 2 (Akron and Colorado State) have done worse in terms of pass efficiency defense.
Perhaps the most damning evidence against the Gophers defense comes not from what you will find in the DSA section of the preview, but rather from what is missing. Recall that BtN discards numbers for games vs. Non-FBS teams. As this eliminates stats recorded in their game vs. South Dakota, the Gophers DSA numbers are actually helped by this expedient.
Traditional Stats
OFFENSE___________Rushing___Passing___Pass_Eff.___Total__ __Points
Ohio_State_________205.38____244.00____161.79_____ 449.38___40.75
Minnesota__________131.57____244.43____130.73_____ 376.00___22.43
DEFENSE___________Rushing___Passing___Pass_Eff.___Total__ __Points
Ohio_State__________85.75____148.75_____94.19_____ 234.50___14.00
Minnesota__________208.71____192.29____157.29_____ 401.00___30.57
DSA
OFFENSE______DRO____DPO____DPE-O____DTO_____DSO
Ohio_State__1.401__1.149___1.245___1.252___1.550
Minnesota___0.891__1.146___1.035___1.042___0.985
DEFENSE______DRD____DPD____DPE-D____DTD_____DSD
Ohio_State__0.503__0.739___0.749___0.631___0.546
Minnesota___1.207__0.903___1.198___1.039___1.187
COMPOSITES_______DYC________DSC_
Ohio_State______1.983______2.839
Minnesota_______1.002______0.830
The Buckeyes' DSA numbers improved across the board this week, not only because of the blow-out of the Boilermakers, but also because former opponents took care of business elsewhere.
As for this week's opponent, the Gophers are slightly above average at moving the ball (DTO of 1.042) and slightly below average at preventing their opponent from gaining yardage (DTD of 1.039).
It is how they compile these numbers that tells the story about 2010 Minnesota. Their defense cannot get other teams off the field (DRD of 1.207 - which leads to a ranking of 107th in the nation in 3rd down defense). This, combined with their own inability to run the ball (DRO of 0.891) means that they score below average (DSO of 0.985) in spite of an above average ability to move the ball. The poor rushing defense also results as you might expect in a ranking of 96th in the nation in red zone defense. The horrid DSD of 1.187 is a natural result of all this.
Prediction
Buckeyes: 467 to 502 yards -- 47 to 48 points
Gophers: 237 to 244 yards -- 12 to 14 points
It's probably best for Tim Brewster that he won't have to speak at this Saturday's post-game presser.
The Lighter SideThe Buckeyes did what they were supposed to last week in shutting out one of the worst offenses in the league. This week they face a slightly sterner test, as the Gophers are slightly above average in total offense and slightly below average in scoring offense, both in terms of DSA and by traditional rankings.
Though slightly below the Mendoza line in point productions, Minnesota is remarkably consistent. In 5 of their 8 games they have produced between 21 and 24 points, and have ventured more than 4 points outside this range only once, when they scored 38 against FCS South Dakota.
The upshot here is that, while the Gophers do not rank in the top half of the conference in any offensive category, it will nevertheless be difficult for the Buckeyes to notch consecutive shut-outs for the first time since September 2009. When one considers the Gophers lackluster running game however, it remains within the realm of possibility. See the DSA section for details.
Non-Mediocre Minnesota Defense
Comparing the defenses for Saturday's contest is not very complicated. It's just a matter of showing the conference rank in the major categories.
Category_________OSU Rank_____Minne Rank
Yards Per Pass____First________Worst
Pass Effic. Def.__First________Worst
Yards Per Rush____First________Worst
Yards Per Play____First________Worst
Scoring Defense___First________Worst
Total Defense_____First________Tenth (thanks Michigan)
Although Minnesota ranks last in the conference in Rushing Defense and sixth in Pass Defense, a quick look behind those numbers suggests that this isn't because they are better against the pass than the run. At 190 attempts, Minnesota has had fewer passes attempted against them than have been thrown vs. any other conference team. Teams simply don't need to throw against them. When their opponents do throw the ball however, they don't meet with much resistance. Of the 119 FBS teams with a better name than the "Golden Gophers", only 2 (Akron and Colorado State) have done worse in terms of pass efficiency defense.
Perhaps the most damning evidence against the Gophers defense comes not from what you will find in the DSA section of the preview, but rather from what is missing. Recall that BtN discards numbers for games vs. Non-FBS teams. As this eliminates stats recorded in their game vs. South Dakota, the Gophers DSA numbers are actually helped by this expedient.
Traditional Stats
OFFENSE___________Rushing___Passing___Pass_Eff.___Total__ __Points
Ohio_State_________205.38____244.00____161.79_____ 449.38___40.75
Minnesota__________131.57____244.43____130.73_____ 376.00___22.43
DEFENSE___________Rushing___Passing___Pass_Eff.___Total__ __Points
Ohio_State__________85.75____148.75_____94.19_____ 234.50___14.00
Minnesota__________208.71____192.29____157.29_____ 401.00___30.57
DSA
OFFENSE______DRO____DPO____DPE-O____DTO_____DSO
Ohio_State__1.401__1.149___1.245___1.252___1.550
Minnesota___0.891__1.146___1.035___1.042___0.985
DEFENSE______DRD____DPD____DPE-D____DTD_____DSD
Ohio_State__0.503__0.739___0.749___0.631___0.546
Minnesota___1.207__0.903___1.198___1.039___1.187
COMPOSITES_______DYC________DSC_
Ohio_State______1.983______2.839
Minnesota_______1.002______0.830
The Buckeyes' DSA numbers improved across the board this week, not only because of the blow-out of the Boilermakers, but also because former opponents took care of business elsewhere.
As for this week's opponent, the Gophers are slightly above average at moving the ball (DTO of 1.042) and slightly below average at preventing their opponent from gaining yardage (DTD of 1.039).
It is how they compile these numbers that tells the story about 2010 Minnesota. Their defense cannot get other teams off the field (DRD of 1.207 - which leads to a ranking of 107th in the nation in 3rd down defense). This, combined with their own inability to run the ball (DRO of 0.891) means that they score below average (DSO of 0.985) in spite of an above average ability to move the ball. The poor rushing defense also results as you might expect in a ranking of 96th in the nation in red zone defense. The horrid DSD of 1.187 is a natural result of all this.
Prediction
Buckeyes: 467 to 502 yards -- 47 to 48 points
Gophers: 237 to 244 yards -- 12 to 14 points
It's probably best for Tim Brewster that he won't have to speak at this Saturday's post-game presser.
Get used to it, Danny Hope. Get used to it, indeed. At the half, Ohio State was sitting on a 42-0 lead, having outgained the Boilermakers 415 to 47. If we're being generous, I suppose we could call it a tale of two halves. In the second half, Purdue performed much better, losing the scoreboard battle just 7-0 and only being out gained 74 - 71 yards. Of course, it's also true that in the second half Ohio State's first team was busy catching up on school work. Come to think of it, so was the second team.
Bye week
Ohio State gets a rare opportunity to go on the road and win a game while on a bye this coming week before enjoying an actual bye week the first week of November. How bad is Minnesota? Well, they've lost 7 in a row after eking out an opening season victory on the road at Middle Tennessee State. One of those losses was to a team from South Dakota. Let's face it, most of us forget South Dakota is even in the Union, much less that they have American football teams willing to compete. The Gophers are so bad they even lost to a Penn State team which had to play some kid by the name of Matt McGloin at quarterback. I guess he's Penn State's answer to Justin Siems. Whatever the case - there's not a whole lot to get excited about this week for the Buckeyes.
Perhaps, then, it's time to take a look around the national scene. Before we do that, however, I have to call a quick time out. I realize the clock stops at the close of a paragraph. I was lined up and prepared to go ahead and quickly jot down a topic heading, hit return, and gather my thoughts after the clock stopped again. But, time-lines being what they are, I was a bit nervous and figured I'd better go ahead and use that last time out to make sure my senior editor (that's BB73, in case you need to know) and I were on the same page. I can't take a sack, of course, and with just 12 seconds to go, if it's not there I have to chuck it out of bounds. Not sure the wife will like that - being that there's a window between me and the property line, but... well, this is serious business. Whatever the case, I should have time enough for two paragraphs, maybe three. And a splash of Gatorade. Mmm. Tasty. Now... where was I? I don't recall. OK. Whatever, let's go get this done....
Wait..
Is that...
It is...
Pressure! What to do?
Here, JCOSU. Take it.
[JCOSU] receives the paragraph, cannot get out of bounds[/JCOSU]
[/Lighterside]
[BB73] I would flag him for unsportsmanlike writing, but the clock is now at zero. [/BB73]
Traditions & Opponent PerspectiveBye week
Ohio State gets a rare opportunity to go on the road and win a game while on a bye this coming week before enjoying an actual bye week the first week of November. How bad is Minnesota? Well, they've lost 7 in a row after eking out an opening season victory on the road at Middle Tennessee State. One of those losses was to a team from South Dakota. Let's face it, most of us forget South Dakota is even in the Union, much less that they have American football teams willing to compete. The Gophers are so bad they even lost to a Penn State team which had to play some kid by the name of Matt McGloin at quarterback. I guess he's Penn State's answer to Justin Siems. Whatever the case - there's not a whole lot to get excited about this week for the Buckeyes.
Perhaps, then, it's time to take a look around the national scene. Before we do that, however, I have to call a quick time out. I realize the clock stops at the close of a paragraph. I was lined up and prepared to go ahead and quickly jot down a topic heading, hit return, and gather my thoughts after the clock stopped again. But, time-lines being what they are, I was a bit nervous and figured I'd better go ahead and use that last time out to make sure my senior editor (that's BB73, in case you need to know) and I were on the same page. I can't take a sack, of course, and with just 12 seconds to go, if it's not there I have to chuck it out of bounds. Not sure the wife will like that - being that there's a window between me and the property line, but... well, this is serious business. Whatever the case, I should have time enough for two paragraphs, maybe three. And a splash of Gatorade. Mmm. Tasty. Now... where was I? I don't recall. OK. Whatever, let's go get this done....
Wait..
Is that...
It is...
Pressure! What to do?
Here, JCOSU. Take it.
[JCOSU] receives the paragraph, cannot get out of bounds[/JCOSU]
[/Lighterside]
[BB73] I would flag him for unsportsmanlike writing, but the clock is now at zero. [/BB73]
Minnesota fans expect a lot, like most Big Ten fans, since their school is so rich with history and tradition - including a tradition of winning. After all, the Golden Gopher football team has been crowned national champions six times, ranking them seventh all-time in recognized football national championships. Also, to date, the Minnesota Gophers are the only football team to win three consecutive national championships (1934, 1935, and 1936). Although the past few years have been rough on Gopher fans, Buckeye fans feel a natural connection with the U of M team, as both schools have a rivaly with Michigan.
- Why Maroon and Gold? In 1880, the University of Minnesota was preparing for spring graduation, and for the previous 29 years, different graduation colors were used every ceremony. In the spring of 1880, President Folwell began a tradition of common school colors at the University. He asked an English instructor, Mrs. Augusta Smith, to select proper colors to use for graduation ribbons and other occasions. She chose maroon and gold, which made a favorable impression on the students and faculty in 1880. As the years passed and without any kind of formal action, maroon and gold became the official school colors.
- Ski-U-Mah! This famous Minnesota phrase, pronounced SKY-YOU-MAH, is more than 115 years old. In 1884, two Minnesota rugby players tried to think of a fitting team yell. They used the word "Ski", a Sioux battle cry meaning "victory," and combined it with "U-Mah" (representing the University of Minnesota and rhyming with "rah-rah-rah") to create a team cheer. The phrase stuck and was incorporated into both official school songs, "Hail Minnesota" and more commonly in the "Minnesota Rouser."
- The "Minnesota Rouser" is one of two official school songs at the University of Minnesota. It was written in 1909 by Floyd M. Hutsell in response to a contest sponsored by the Minneapolis Tribune. The contest was judged by University President and Governor of Minnesota, with the winner receiving $100. (One fan noted that one of the losing songs was later rewritten and became "On Wisconsin." We have not verified this, but that's hilarious if true!) The rouser is sung at Gopher sporting events, along with the other official University song, "Hail Minnesota."
Minnesota, Hats off to thee!
To thy colors, true we shall ever be,
Firm and strong, united are we.
Rah! Rah! Rah! for Ski-U-Mah,
Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah for the U of M.
[Repeat]
M - I - N - N - E - S - O - T - A!
Minnesota!
Minnesota!
Yeaaaaaaah Gophers!
Firm and strong, united are we.
Rah! Rah! Rah! for Ski-U-Mah,
Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah for the U of M.
[Repeat]
M - I - N - N - E - S - O - T - A!
Minnesota!
Minnesota!
Yeaaaaaaah Gophers!
- The Gopher mascot is a tradition as old as the state. Minnesota was tabbed the "Gopher State" in 1857 after a satirizing cartoon, depicting nine Gophers with the heads of local politicians pulling a locomotive, was published. The story was over legislative action for a $5 million railroad proposal in western Minnesota. Later, the University picked up the nickname. The "Golden" adjective has not always been a part of the Gopher nickname. During the 1930s, the Gophers wore gold jerseys and pants. Legendary KSTP-AM radio announcer Halsey Hall coined the term "Golden Gophers" in reference to the team's all-gold attire on the field. From 1932 through 1941, Minnesota compiled an impressive record, losing only 12 games and winning seven Big Ten titles and five national championships. A true Goldy began his illustrious career as U of M mascot in the 1940s, but the story of the famed gopher begins almost a century earlier.
- Chosen to be Minnesota's official animal in 1857, Goldy's ancestors were the first of their kind to receive such an honor. That same year, Minnesota was declared the Gopher State. Taking advantage of the natural connection, Clarence Spears, U of M football coach, named his team the Gophers in 1926. Several years later, Bernie Bierman's champion football team was coined the "golden swarm," a reference to their gold-colored jerseys, and the team soon became the "Golden Gophers."
U of M's trophy games are:
- The Little Brown Jug - Oldest of college football's 57 trophy-game traditions, Michigan and Minnesota play for it each year. The tradition started in 1903 when Michigan coach, Fielding Yost left his jug in Minneapolis following a tie in which the fans rushed the field, and Minnesota made him win it back. The five-gallon jug is painted with the victories of the two teams.
- Floyd of Rosedale - Since 1935 the Gophers and the Iowa Hawkeyes have fought to win this bronze pig.
- Paul Bunyan's Axe - Minnesota and the Wisconsin Badgers have passed this trophy back and forth since 1948, although it records the two teams' encounters since 1890. The first game in the series, a 63-0 Gopher victory in 1890, is printed on the handle near the axe's head. The results of every successive game line the handle in red ink.
- Governor's Victory Bell - The newest of the four trophies, the bell was created to commemorate the 1993 entrance of Penn State's Nittany Lions into the Big Ten.
- A tradition at the University of Minnesota since 1914, Homecoming features annual events, such as student sports and philanthropy competitions, lip sync performances, a bonfire, pep fest and parade, the traditional Gopher homecoming football game, and more.
- The University of Minnesota Marching Band was founded in 1892 as the University Cadet Band, with 29 members. In 1910, the first formations and halftime show were presented during the Gopher football season. Included in the formations was the first "Block M". The current Block M is now a symbol of the University. With more than 300 members, the "Pride of Minnesota" performs at all home football games and at an annual indoor concert at Northrop Auditorium.
- Jim Mitchell, a former drum major, was the first black drum major in the history of the Big Ten.
- Another band tradition: the Swinging Gates, a staple of the pregame show. The colors are marched down the field as the band "swings" around.
- According to Gopher fans, playing in the Metrodome has taken away much of the atmosphere/traditions. The band used to march down University Avenue past the frat houses to Memorial Stadium, and that tradition has been picked up again when the new stadium opened on campus in 2009.
- One fan noted that "nobody can match what Minnesota has going on on the sidelines during football games." Their dance team has won four straight national championships, and Goldy annually finishes in the top 5 among college mascots.
- When the Gophers get a first down, the PA announcer will say "And that's another Golden Gopher ..." with the fans finishing it off by yelling "first down!" and doing the arm motion. One fan groaned, "of course, you might not see Gopher fans do it more than a couple of times against the tOSU defense on Saturday."
- They also have a mini-cannon that is set off after touchdowns.
- After every score, the band plays a Superman-type song and Goldy wearing a U of M flag cape gets lifted on a large platform above the male cheerleaders. He then leads everyone in clap where he does a pushup for every point they have scored.
- The student section will often chant "Spin Your Head" to Goldy at random points in the game and Goldy then "loosens" his head and spins it in a complete 360. According to one Gopher fan, "It sounds kind of lame on paper, but the students go crazy for it."
- The fans hold up their shoes in the air before the team kicks any extra points or field goals.
- Cheerleading is a Gopher tradition, especially because they invented it in 1898.
University of Minnesota: Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) Founded 1851
Football 1st Season: 1882
Stadium: TCF Bank Stadium
Constructed: 2009
Seating Capacity: 50,805
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Conference: Independent from 1882-1895, Big Ten Conference since 1896
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Mascot: Gopher (Goldy)
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 16 Big Ten Titles: 1900*, 1903*, 1904*, 1906*, 1909, 1910*, 1911, 1915*, 1934, 1935*, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1960*, 1967* (*=Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 32 (27 different players)
College Hall-of-Famers: 21
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 6 (Bobby Bell, Carl Eller, Bud Grant, Bronko Nagurski, Leo Nomellini, Charlie Sanders)
Award Winners: 1 AFCA COY, 1 Eddie Robinson COY, 1 Bear Bryant COY, 1 Heisman, 3 Outlands, 1 Rimington, 1 Mackey, 1 Socrates and 1 Thorpe Award
National Championships: 6 Recognized National Titles (1934, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941, 1960), 5 unrecognized titles.
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-14 years, Coaches-9 years
RecordsConstructed: 2009
Seating Capacity: 50,805
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Conference: Independent from 1882-1895, Big Ten Conference since 1896
Colors: Maroon and Gold
Mascot: Gopher (Goldy)
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 16 Big Ten Titles: 1900*, 1903*, 1904*, 1906*, 1909, 1910*, 1911, 1915*, 1934, 1935*, 1937, 1938, 1940, 1941, 1960*, 1967* (*=Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 32 (27 different players)
College Hall-of-Famers: 21
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 6 (Bobby Bell, Carl Eller, Bud Grant, Bronko Nagurski, Leo Nomellini, Charlie Sanders)
Award Winners: 1 AFCA COY, 1 Eddie Robinson COY, 1 Bear Bryant COY, 1 Heisman, 3 Outlands, 1 Rimington, 1 Mackey, 1 Socrates and 1 Thorpe Award
National Championships: 6 Recognized National Titles (1934, 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941, 1960), 5 unrecognized titles.
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-14 years, Coaches-9 years
All Time: 643-471-44 (.574)
Bowl Games: 5-9-0 (.357) Most recently a 14-13 overtime loss to Iowa State in the 2009 Insight Bowl.
All Time vs the Big Ten: 322-356-27 (.476) versus teams now in the Big Ten Conference.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 7-42-0 (.143) Most recently a 38-7 loss to the Buckeyes in 2009 in Columbus.
Coach's Record: Jeff Horton (2010), 0-1 at Minnesota, 20-49-0 all-time (.290)
All Time vs the Big Ten: 322-356-27 (.476) versus teams now in the Big Ten Conference.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 7-42-0 (.143) Most recently a 38-7 loss to the Buckeyes in 2009 in Columbus.
Coach's Record: Jeff Horton (2010), 0-1 at Minnesota, 20-49-0 all-time (.290)
2009 Season: 6-7-0 (.462)
Sep 05 - W at Syracuse, 23-20 (OT)
Sep 12 - W vs Air Force, 20-13
Sep 19 - L vs Cal, 35-21
Sep 26 - W at Northwestern, 35-24
Oct 03 - L vs Wisconsin, 31-28
Oct 10 - W vs Purdue, 35-20
Oct 17 - L at Penn St, 20-0
Oct 24 - L at Ohio St, 38-7
Oct 31 - W vs Michigan St, 42-34
Nov 07 - L vs Illinois, 35-32
Nov 14 - W vs South Dakota St, 16-13
Nov 21 - L at Iowa, 12-0
Dec 31 - L vs Iowa St, 14-13 (Insight Bowl)
2010 Schedule
Sep 02 - W at Middle Tenn St, 24-17
Sep 11 - L vs South Dakota, 41-38
Sep 18 - L vs Southern Cal, 32-21
Sep 25 - L vs Northen Illinois, 34-23
Oct 02 - L vs Northwestern, 29-28
Oct 09 - L at Wisconsin, 41-23
Oct 16 - L at Purdue, 28-17
Oct 23 - L vs Penn St, 33-21
Oct 30 - vs Ohio State, 8:00 pm ET
Nov 06 - at Michigan, TBA
Nov 13 - vs Wisconsin, TBA
Nov 20 - Bye
Nov 27 - at Iowa, TBA
LinksSep 05 - W at Syracuse, 23-20 (OT)
Sep 12 - W vs Air Force, 20-13
Sep 19 - L vs Cal, 35-21
Sep 26 - W at Northwestern, 35-24
Oct 03 - L vs Wisconsin, 31-28
Oct 10 - W vs Purdue, 35-20
Oct 17 - L at Penn St, 20-0
Oct 24 - L at Ohio St, 38-7
Oct 31 - W vs Michigan St, 42-34
Nov 07 - L vs Illinois, 35-32
Nov 14 - W vs South Dakota St, 16-13
Nov 21 - L at Iowa, 12-0
Dec 31 - L vs Iowa St, 14-13 (Insight Bowl)
2010 Schedule
Sep 02 - W at Middle Tenn St, 24-17
Sep 11 - L vs South Dakota, 41-38
Sep 18 - L vs Southern Cal, 32-21
Sep 25 - L vs Northen Illinois, 34-23
Oct 02 - L vs Northwestern, 29-28
Oct 09 - L at Wisconsin, 41-23
Oct 16 - L at Purdue, 28-17
Oct 23 - L vs Penn St, 33-21
Oct 30 - vs Ohio State, 8:00 pm ET
Nov 06 - at Michigan, TBA
Nov 13 - vs Wisconsin, TBA
Nov 20 - Bye
Nov 27 - at Iowa, TBA
Official Sites:
Official School Site - University of Minnesota
Official Alumni Site - University of Minnesota Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - The Minnesota Daily
Official Athletic Site - Gopher Sports
Official Conference Site - Big Ten Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Gopher Sports (Scout)
Message Boards - Gopher Illustrated (Rivals)
Message Boards - Gopher Hole (Independent)
Blog - CP Balls Blog - The Daily Gopher
Blog - Gopher Nation
Blog - Minnesota Golden Gophers
Blog - Gopher the Roses
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - Covers
Team Page - Football.com
Local News Sources:
Minneapolis Star Tribune - Local News
Twin Cities (Pioneer Press) - Local News
KSTP - ABC Minneapolis
WCCO - CBS Minneapolis
KARE - NBC Minneapolis
KMSP - Fox Minneapolis
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2010 Roster - GopherSports
2010 Schedule - GopherSports
2010 News - GopherSports
2010 Stats to date - BigTen
2010 Game by Game Recap - CFN
2010 Game Preview - GopherSports
2010 Game Preview - ESPN
2010 Game Preview - TeamSecretFalcon
2010 Minnesota Preview - College Football Poll
2010 Big Ten Preview - BigTen-Fans
2010 Big Ten Weekly Wrapup - Athlon
Travel Info:
TCF Bank Stadium Seating Chart - GopherSports
Preferred Hotels - GopherSports
Gameday - GopherSports
From their website, quite a tribute to OSU:
Official Alumni Site - University of Minnesota Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - The Minnesota Daily
Official Athletic Site - Gopher Sports
Official Conference Site - Big Ten Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Gopher Sports (Scout)
Message Boards - Gopher Illustrated (Rivals)
Message Boards - Gopher Hole (Independent)
Blog - CP Balls Blog - The Daily Gopher
Blog - Gopher Nation
Blog - Minnesota Golden Gophers
Blog - Gopher the Roses
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - Covers
Team Page - Football.com
Local News Sources:
Minneapolis Star Tribune - Local News
Twin Cities (Pioneer Press) - Local News
KSTP - ABC Minneapolis
WCCO - CBS Minneapolis
KARE - NBC Minneapolis
KMSP - Fox Minneapolis
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2010 Roster - GopherSports
2010 Schedule - GopherSports
2010 News - GopherSports
2010 Stats to date - BigTen
2010 Game by Game Recap - CFN
2010 Game Preview - GopherSports
2010 Game Preview - ESPN
2010 Game Preview - TeamSecretFalcon
2010 Minnesota Preview - College Football Poll
2010 Big Ten Preview - BigTen-Fans
2010 Big Ten Weekly Wrapup - Athlon
Travel Info:
TCF Bank Stadium Seating Chart - GopherSports
Preferred Hotels - GopherSports
Gameday - GopherSports
From their website, quite a tribute to OSU:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data