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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Eager To Reach Next Level In 2004
8/27/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
The Gophers also won 10 games for the first time since 1905 and finished third in the nation in rushing offense (289 ypg), fourth in total offense (494 ypg) and seventh in scoring offense (38.6 ppg). They also led the Big Ten in all three of those categories. With 34 lettermen returning, including seven starters on offense and six on defense, the Gophers are ready to pick up where they left off in 2003.
QUARTERBACK
One of the biggest question marks facing the Gophers following the 2003 season was who they would find to replace four-year starter Asad Abdul-Khaliq at quarterback. Over the past four seasons, Gopher fans had grown accustomed to the veteran leadership of Abdul- Khaliq. Minnesota's answer to that question came in two parts as sophomore Bryan Cupito and junior college transfer Adam Ernst</ a> both showed promise during the spring. Cupito was the third-string quarterback last season behind seniors Abdul-Khaliq and Benji Kamrath. While he may not be as mobile as his predecessor, Cupito possess a strong arm and has good instincts in the pocket.
Ernst, a standout performer at Mount San Antonio Junior College, was an All-Mission Conference selection in 2003. He passed for 2,300 yards with 23 touchdowns, completing 176-of-293 passes.
Cupito will head into the fall as the No. 1 quarterback after his consistent play during the spring season. Ernst, who saved his best performance for the spring game, where he was 9-of-14 for 216 yards with a touchdown, will be nipping at his heels.
The Gophers also had the luxury of getting early repetitions to former Hopkins High School quarterback and Prep Star All-American John Carlson during the spring. Carlson will build off those repetitions this fall as he continues to learn the offense. Minnesota will also welcome four talented incoming quarterback recruits in Mike Maciejowski, Tony Mortensen, Andre Sloan El and David Wess.
RUNNING BACK
Regardless of whoever lines up at quarterback this season for the Gophers, one thing is for certain; he will have a full arsenal behind him. Minnesota has the No. 1-ranked running game in the nation heading into 2004 according to Athlon. The Gophers boasted the third-best rushing attack in the nation last season and return the top running back duo in the country in junior Marion Barber III</ a> and sophomore Laurence Maroney</ a>. The two backs each ran for over 1,000 yards last season, becoming just the third pair of teammates in Big Ten history and the 30th pair in NCAA history to accomplish that feat.
Barber has a rare combination of power and speed, which make him valuable in every situation, while Maroney has amazing quickness and can exploit even the smallest of gaps on the offensive line.
Barber, already named to College Football News 2004 Heisman watch list, amassed 1,196 yards in 2003 and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection. He was also a scoring machine for Minnesota last season, breaking the school record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 17. The Plymouth, Minn., native became the 10th player in school history to surpass 2,000 yards for a career and tied the school's single-season record for 100-yard games with seven.
Maroney may not have been well known prior to last season, but he may become a household name by the end of 2004. Last year's Big Ten Freshman of the Year exploded onto the scene with 1,121 yards, which was the most of any freshman in the nation. Maroney, who is ranked as the eighth-best running back in the nation by Lindy's, finished fifth in the Big Ten in rushing, averaging 6.92 yards per carry, which was the second- highest average in school history.
Never at a loss for depth at running back, the Gophers will also feature redshirt freshman Amir Pinnix and 2004 signee Maurice Alexander. Redshirt freshman Justin Valentine will give the Gophers a new look at fullback replacing Thomas Tapeh, while sophomore Jason Lamers, and juniors Brandon Hagen and Junior Eugene will also contribute.
WIDE RECEIVER
After not having a receiver accumulate 100 yards in a game in 2002, the Gophers went well beyond that total in 2003 as Jared Ellerson and Aaron Hosack combined to give the team nine 100-yard performances. While Hosack was lost to graduation, Ellerson returns to give the team the same big play threat he provided all last year. Ellerson set the school's sophomore record for receiving yards with 909 and was the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week after totaling 189 yards against Northwestern. In that game, Ellerson hauled in a 96-yard touchdown reception, which set the school record for the longest pass play in team history.
After sitting out last season with an injury, junior college transfer Paris Hamilton is ready for action opposite Ellerson. Hamilton has good hands and excels at catching the ball in a crowd. He has worked extremely hard coming back from the injury that held him out of the 2003 season and will be another weapon in the Gophers' offensive attack.
Sophomore Logan Payne and junior Jakari Wallace also expect to see their roles increase. Payne has made significant strides through the spring and offseason, after contributing as a true freshman, while Wallace is primed to give the Gophers another veteran presence. Redshirt freshman Micah Rucker and sophomore Mark Jundt will also provide depth at receiver after posting 103 and 95 yards, respectively, in the spring game.
TIGHT END
Much like the quarterback position, the Gophers lost a steady contributor of four years in All-Big Ten performer Ben Utecht. Fortunately for Minnesota, sophomore Matt Spaeth has the look of the next great Gopher tight end. Spaeth caught 12 passes last season for 93 yards and will see those numbers increase this season as he becomes the primary target at tight end. Spaeth is also a strong blocker, who has complemented the running game and proven to be a versatile player.
Junior Jarod Posthumus will also be called upon more this year. Posthumus saw his playing time increase last season as he became more involved in the offense, catching a touchdown against Illinois and hauling in a 20-yard reception against Oregon in the Sun Bowl.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Many projected that the Gophers' strength heading into last season would reside on the offensive line. Not much has changed since that time as Minnesota returns four of five starters on a line that could be as strong as any in the nation. While the Gophers lose All- Big Ten selection Joe Quinn at right guard, they return third-team All-American and first team All-Big Ten choice Greg Eslinger</ a> at center. The junior from Bismarck, N.D., has already been tabbed for the 2004 Lombardi Award watch list and could be a Rimington Award finalist this season. It would be hard to find anyone who is as active as Eslinger on every play. He has also continued to get bigger without compromising his quickness and is a major reason why Lindy's recognized the Gophers as having the second-best offensive line in the nation for 2004.
The Gophers also feature senior tackle Rian Melander and junior guard Mark Setterstrom. Melander, who is ranked as the 10th-best offensive tackle in the nation by Lindy's, was second-team All-Big Ten last season, while Setterstrom, the ninth-ranked offensive guard in the nation by The Sporting News, was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. Sophomore tackle Joe Ainslie also returns after starting six games last season, including the last five. This group was part of a line that led the Big Ten in sacks allowed, surrendering a league-low 16.
Senior Brandon Harston will head into the season as the starter at right guard replacing Quinn, while junior Mike Nicholson gives Minnesota a capable reserve with starting experience.
Defensively, the Gophers are ready to improve even more after one full year under defensive coordinator Greg Hudson. The Gophers lose five starters from last year's squad, however, they return five players who had at least one start on the defensive line, including a veteran group at linebacker and in the secondary.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Perhaps the biggest surprise on this year's team could reside on the defensive line. Minnesota returns senior Darrell Reid</ a>, who is poised for his best season after leading the team in sacks with 5.5 and tackles-for-loss with 12. Reid will move from tackle to end in 2004 to utilize his speed and to harass the opposing quarterback. He is the vocal leader of the line and was named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2003. He is a versatile lineman who can disrupt an offense regardless of where he lines up.
Junior Mark Losli will also switch positions, moving from end to Reid's former position on the interior. Losli is another experienced player, who has started 22 consecutive games. Losli was second only to Reid in sacks (5) and tackles-for-loss (10.5) last season. Junior Anthony Montgomery and sophomores Eric Clark and Mario Reese are all ready to become focal points on the line after splitting time at their positions last season. Montgomery is a dominant run stopper with surprising quickness for a player of his size. Clark will get a chance to show his worth in 2004 after starting four games last year. He is elusive off the end and could be the most athletic of the linemen. Reese is moving from linebacker to rush end in 2004 and could be one of the Gophers' most improved players. Junior Keith Lipka and sophomore Maurice Buchanan provide experience and will also contribute up front.
LINEBACKERS
The Gophers will be a very athletic unit at linebacker this season. While the defense lost middle linebacker Ben West to graduation, they return junior starters Terrance Campbell and Kyle McKenzie.
Campbell, who played weakside linebacker, and McKenzie, who patrolled the strong side, each finished in the top five in tackles for the Gophers in 2003. Campbell was third on the team with 87 stops and also in tackles-for-loss (9) and sacks (4). He also had a key interception in the Gophers' victory at Penn State last season. McKenzie ranked fifth in tackles (61) and led the team in forced fumbles with two. Both players have good speed and while Campbell can close quickly, McKenzie's strength is his lateral movement.
Senior Dominique Sims has been a steady performer on the defense and is the projected starter at drop linebacker. Sims started against Illinois last season and led the team with nine tackles in a 36-10 Gophers' victory.
Senior Brian Smith and sophomore Brandon Owens will also be key players in Hudson's scheme. Smith started one game last year and while he saw limited time behind West, he managed to record 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack. Owens is making the move from the defensive secondary to the linebacking corps where he will add to the overall athleticism of that unit.
SECONDARY
The Gophers will have to replace safeties Eli Ward and Justin Isom, both of whom were lost to graduation. However, they return starting cornerbacks Ukee Dozier and Trumaine Banks.
Dozier started all 13 games for the Gophers last year and led the team in pass breakups with eight. The senior cornerback is very fluid in pass coverage and will serve as one of the elder statesmen of the secondary. Banks now has a year of starter experience under his belt and should be poised to reach new levels after breaking up seven passes and recording an interception in 2003.
The new look for the secondary will come from the safety position, where Ward and Isom used to roam. Both players leave big shoes to fill as Ward was the team's leading tackler the past two seasons, while Isom was the team leader in interceptions in 2003 with four. Moving in at strong safety is senior Justin Fraley, who did a little bit of everything last year in four starts. Fraley posted four tackles-for-loss, three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Taking over as the starter at free safety is junior John Pawielski. Pawielski has a great work ethic and has made a name for himself through his hard work and intelligence on the field. He scored the Gophers' only defensive touchdown of the season last year on a 22-yard fumble return for a score against Indiana.
Also providing depth are seniors Mike Wojciechowski and Johnathan Richmond along with junior Quentin White.
SPECIAL TEAMS
One of the biggest concerns for the Gophers last fall is the least of their worries this season. The Gophers' special teams were looking for answers following the 2002 season with no one to replace kicker Dan Nystrom. However, junior college transfer Rhys Lloyd joined the team last August and the rest was history. To say Lloyd had a successful year in 2003 would be an understatement. The Dover, England native had two game-winning kicks, beating Wisconsin as time expired with a 35-yarder and defeating Oregon in the Sun Bowl with a 42-yard kick. Lloyd has all the makings of a Groza Award candidate and with two field goals of over 50 yards in 2003, he became the first player to accomplish that feat at Minnesota since 1997. Lloyd also returns as the team's punter after averaging 39.3 yards per kick in 2003.
SCHEDULE
The Gophers' schedule contains six home games, including a showdown with Toledo in the season opener on Sept. 4. Toledo has been ranked in numerous preseason publications and will be seeking revenge after losing to the Gophers the last time the two teams met at the Metrodome in 2002. Minnesota's non-conference opponents for the 2004 season have the third-best cumulative winning percentage among Big Ten teams. Toledo, Illinois State and Colorado State posted a combined 21-16 mark in 2003. Only Michigan (24-14) and Northwestern (31-21) have opponents with better winning percentages.
Minnesota will also get a chance to get off on the right foot in Big Ten play as they open the conference season with home games against Northwestern on Sept. 25 and Penn State on Oct. 2. The Gophers will be seeking their third straight victory over the Wildcats and their fourth in a row against the Nittany Lions. Minnesota will play the first of its four trophy games against Penn State as they defend the "Governor's Victory Bell," which has been in the Gophers' possession for the past five seasons.
The Gophers will face Illinois at the Metrodome for their homecoming game on Oct. 23 and will close the home season on Nov. 13 against Iowa as they try to regain "Floyd of Rosedale" from the Hawkeyes.
Gopher fans that follow the team on the road will also be in for quite a treat in 2004. The Gophers will pack their bags for the first time on Sept. 18 when they face Mountain West foe Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colo. in their only non-conference road game. Minnesota will visit the state of Michigan on consecutive weekends as they take on Michigan in Ann Arbor on Oct. 9 for the "Little Brown Jug" and return to East Lansing the following weekend (Oct. 16) to take on Michigan State.
The Gophers' final two road games will take place on consecutive weekends as Minnesota visits Bloomington on Oct. 30 to face the Hoosiers before defending "Paul Bunyan's Axe" against Wisconsin on Nov. 6.
A FINAL GLANCE
The Gophers continue to generate excitement for the upcoming season following their bowl success under Glen Mason the past two years and their 10-win campaign in 2003. With a majority of their record-setting offense returning and a more experienced group coming back on the defensive side, the Gophers believe something special awaits in 2004. Following their second consecutive bowl win in two seasons, the Gophers head into the 2004 campaign poised to set the bar even higher as they aim for a Big Ten title. The team rewrote the school record book last season by setting a Big Ten record for total offense (6,430) and finishing with the fourth-highest rushing total (3,759) and sixth-highest point total in Big Ten history. Along with those marks, the team also set school records for touchdowns (66), rushing touchdowns (46), yards-per-play (6.6), completion percentage (61.3%), first downs (326) and 500-yard games (7).
The Gophers also won 10 games for the first time since 1905 and finished third in the nation in rushing offense (289 ypg), fourth in total offense (494 ypg) and seventh in scoring offense (38.6 ppg). They also led the Big Ten in all three of those categories. With 34 lettermen returning, including seven starters on offense and six on defense, the Gophers are ready to pick up where they left off in 2003.
QUARTERBACK
One of the biggest question marks facing the Gophers following the 2003 season was who they would find to replace four-year starter Asad Abdul-Khaliq at quarterback. Over the past four seasons, Gopher fans had grown accustomed to the veteran leadership of Abdul- Khaliq. Minnesota's answer to that question came in two parts as sophomore Bryan Cupito and junior college transfer Adam Ernst</ a> both showed promise during the spring. Cupito was the third-string quarterback last season behind seniors Abdul-Khaliq and Benji Kamrath. While he may not be as mobile as his predecessor, Cupito possess a strong arm and has good instincts in the pocket.
Ernst, a standout performer at Mount San Antonio Junior College, was an All-Mission Conference selection in 2003. He passed for 2,300 yards with 23 touchdowns, completing 176-of-293 passes.
Cupito will head into the fall as the No. 1 quarterback after his consistent play during the spring season. Ernst, who saved his best performance for the spring game, where he was 9-of-14 for 216 yards with a touchdown, will be nipping at his heels.
The Gophers also had the luxury of getting early repetitions to former Hopkins High School quarterback and Prep Star All-American John Carlson during the spring. Carlson will build off those repetitions this fall as he continues to learn the offense. Minnesota will also welcome four talented incoming quarterback recruits in Mike Maciejowski, Tony Mortensen, Andre Sloan El and David Wess.
RUNNING BACK
Regardless of whoever lines up at quarterback this season for the Gophers, one thing is for certain; he will have a full arsenal behind him. Minnesota has the No. 1-ranked running game in the nation heading into 2004 according to Athlon. The Gophers boasted the third-best rushing attack in the nation last season and return the top running back duo in the country in junior Marion Barber III</ a> and sophomore Laurence Maroney</ a>. The two backs each ran for over 1,000 yards last season, becoming just the third pair of teammates in Big Ten history and the 30th pair in NCAA history to accomplish that feat.
Barber has a rare combination of power and speed, which make him valuable in every situation, while Maroney has amazing quickness and can exploit even the smallest of gaps on the offensive line.
Barber, already named to College Football News 2004 Heisman watch list, amassed 1,196 yards in 2003 and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection. He was also a scoring machine for Minnesota last season, breaking the school record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 17. The Plymouth, Minn., native became the 10th player in school history to surpass 2,000 yards for a career and tied the school's single-season record for 100-yard games with seven.
Maroney may not have been well known prior to last season, but he may become a household name by the end of 2004. Last year's Big Ten Freshman of the Year exploded onto the scene with 1,121 yards, which was the most of any freshman in the nation. Maroney, who is ranked as the eighth-best running back in the nation by Lindy's, finished fifth in the Big Ten in rushing, averaging 6.92 yards per carry, which was the second- highest average in school history.
Never at a loss for depth at running back, the Gophers will also feature redshirt freshman Amir Pinnix and 2004 signee Maurice Alexander. Redshirt freshman Justin Valentine will give the Gophers a new look at fullback replacing Thomas Tapeh, while sophomore Jason Lamers, and juniors Brandon Hagen and Junior Eugene will also contribute.
WIDE RECEIVER
After not having a receiver accumulate 100 yards in a game in 2002, the Gophers went well beyond that total in 2003 as Jared Ellerson and Aaron Hosack combined to give the team nine 100-yard performances. While Hosack was lost to graduation, Ellerson returns to give the team the same big play threat he provided all last year. Ellerson set the school's sophomore record for receiving yards with 909 and was the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week after totaling 189 yards against Northwestern. In that game, Ellerson hauled in a 96-yard touchdown reception, which set the school record for the longest pass play in team history.
After sitting out last season with an injury, junior college transfer Paris Hamilton is ready for action opposite Ellerson. Hamilton has good hands and excels at catching the ball in a crowd. He has worked extremely hard coming back from the injury that held him out of the 2003 season and will be another weapon in the Gophers' offensive attack.
Sophomore Logan Payne and junior Jakari Wallace also expect to see their roles increase. Payne has made significant strides through the spring and offseason, after contributing as a true freshman, while Wallace is primed to give the Gophers another veteran presence. Redshirt freshman Micah Rucker and sophomore Mark Jundt will also provide depth at receiver after posting 103 and 95 yards, respectively, in the spring game.
TIGHT END
Much like the quarterback position, the Gophers lost a steady contributor of four years in All-Big Ten performer Ben Utecht. Fortunately for Minnesota, sophomore Matt Spaeth has the look of the next great Gopher tight end. Spaeth caught 12 passes last season for 93 yards and will see those numbers increase this season as he becomes the primary target at tight end. Spaeth is also a strong blocker, who has complemented the running game and proven to be a versatile player.
Junior Jarod Posthumus will also be called upon more this year. Posthumus saw his playing time increase last season as he became more involved in the offense, catching a touchdown against Illinois and hauling in a 20-yard reception against Oregon in the Sun Bowl.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Many projected that the Gophers' strength heading into last season would reside on the offensive line. Not much has changed since that time as Minnesota returns four of five starters on a line that could be as strong as any in the nation. While the Gophers lose All- Big Ten selection Joe Quinn at right guard, they return third-team All-American and first team All-Big Ten choice Greg Eslinger</ a> at center. The junior from Bismarck, N.D., has already been tabbed for the 2004 Lombardi Award watch list and could be a Rimington Award finalist this season. It would be hard to find anyone who is as active as Eslinger on every play. He has also continued to get bigger without compromising his quickness and is a major reason why Lindy's recognized the Gophers as having the second-best offensive line in the nation for 2004.
The Gophers also feature senior tackle Rian Melander and junior guard Mark Setterstrom. Melander, who is ranked as the 10th-best offensive tackle in the nation by Lindy's, was second-team All-Big Ten last season, while Setterstrom, the ninth-ranked offensive guard in the nation by The Sporting News, was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection. Sophomore tackle Joe Ainslie also returns after starting six games last season, including the last five. This group was part of a line that led the Big Ten in sacks allowed, surrendering a league-low 16.
Senior Brandon Harston will head into the season as the starter at right guard replacing Quinn, while junior Mike Nicholson gives Minnesota a capable reserve with starting experience.
Defensively, the Gophers are ready to improve even more after one full year under defensive coordinator Greg Hudson. The Gophers lose five starters from last year's squad, however, they return five players who had at least one start on the defensive line, including a veteran group at linebacker and in the secondary.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Perhaps the biggest surprise on this year's team could reside on the defensive line. Minnesota returns senior Darrell Reid</ a>, who is poised for his best season after leading the team in sacks with 5.5 and tackles-for-loss with 12. Reid will move from tackle to end in 2004 to utilize his speed and to harass the opposing quarterback. He is the vocal leader of the line and was named honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2003. He is a versatile lineman who can disrupt an offense regardless of where he lines up.
Junior Mark Losli will also switch positions, moving from end to Reid's former position on the interior. Losli is another experienced player, who has started 22 consecutive games. Losli was second only to Reid in sacks (5) and tackles-for-loss (10.5) last season. Junior Anthony Montgomery and sophomores Eric Clark and Mario Reese are all ready to become focal points on the line after splitting time at their positions last season. Montgomery is a dominant run stopper with surprising quickness for a player of his size. Clark will get a chance to show his worth in 2004 after starting four games last year. He is elusive off the end and could be the most athletic of the linemen. Reese is moving from linebacker to rush end in 2004 and could be one of the Gophers' most improved players. Junior Keith Lipka and sophomore Maurice Buchanan provide experience and will also contribute up front.
LINEBACKERS
The Gophers will be a very athletic unit at linebacker this season. While the defense lost middle linebacker Ben West to graduation, they return junior starters Terrance Campbell and Kyle McKenzie.
Campbell, who played weakside linebacker, and McKenzie, who patrolled the strong side, each finished in the top five in tackles for the Gophers in 2003. Campbell was third on the team with 87 stops and also in tackles-for-loss (9) and sacks (4). He also had a key interception in the Gophers' victory at Penn State last season. McKenzie ranked fifth in tackles (61) and led the team in forced fumbles with two. Both players have good speed and while Campbell can close quickly, McKenzie's strength is his lateral movement.
Senior Dominique Sims has been a steady performer on the defense and is the projected starter at drop linebacker. Sims started against Illinois last season and led the team with nine tackles in a 36-10 Gophers' victory.
Senior Brian Smith and sophomore Brandon Owens will also be key players in Hudson's scheme. Smith started one game last year and while he saw limited time behind West, he managed to record 3.5 tackles-for-loss and a sack. Owens is making the move from the defensive secondary to the linebacking corps where he will add to the overall athleticism of that unit.
SECONDARY
The Gophers will have to replace safeties Eli Ward and Justin Isom, both of whom were lost to graduation. However, they return starting cornerbacks Ukee Dozier and Trumaine Banks.
Dozier started all 13 games for the Gophers last year and led the team in pass breakups with eight. The senior cornerback is very fluid in pass coverage and will serve as one of the elder statesmen of the secondary. Banks now has a year of starter experience under his belt and should be poised to reach new levels after breaking up seven passes and recording an interception in 2003.
The new look for the secondary will come from the safety position, where Ward and Isom used to roam. Both players leave big shoes to fill as Ward was the team's leading tackler the past two seasons, while Isom was the team leader in interceptions in 2003 with four. Moving in at strong safety is senior Justin Fraley, who did a little bit of everything last year in four starts. Fraley posted four tackles-for-loss, three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Taking over as the starter at free safety is junior John Pawielski. Pawielski has a great work ethic and has made a name for himself through his hard work and intelligence on the field. He scored the Gophers' only defensive touchdown of the season last year on a 22-yard fumble return for a score against Indiana.
Also providing depth are seniors Mike Wojciechowski and Johnathan Richmond along with junior Quentin White.
SPECIAL TEAMS
One of the biggest concerns for the Gophers last fall is the least of their worries this season. The Gophers' special teams were looking for answers following the 2002 season with no one to replace kicker Dan Nystrom. However, junior college transfer Rhys Lloyd joined the team last August and the rest was history. To say Lloyd had a successful year in 2003 would be an understatement. The Dover, England native had two game-winning kicks, beating Wisconsin as time expired with a 35-yarder and defeating Oregon in the Sun Bowl with a 42-yard kick. Lloyd has all the makings of a Groza Award candidate and with two field goals of over 50 yards in 2003, he became the first player to accomplish that feat at Minnesota since 1997. Lloyd also returns as the team's punter after averaging 39.3 yards per kick in 2003.
SCHEDULE
The Gophers' schedule contains six home games, including a showdown with Toledo in the season opener on Sept. 4. Toledo has been ranked in numerous preseason publications and will be seeking revenge after losing to the Gophers the last time the two teams met at the Metrodome in 2002. Minnesota's non-conference opponents for the 2004 season have the third-best cumulative winning percentage among Big Ten teams. Toledo, Illinois State and Colorado State posted a combined 21-16 mark in 2003. Only Michigan (24-14) and Northwestern (31-21) have opponents with better winning percentages.
Minnesota will also get a chance to get off on the right foot in Big Ten play as they open the conference season with home games against Northwestern on Sept. 25 and Penn State on Oct. 2. The Gophers will be seeking their third straight victory over the Wildcats and their fourth in a row against the Nittany Lions. Minnesota will play the first of its four trophy games against Penn State as they defend the "Governor's Victory Bell," which has been in the Gophers' possession for the past five seasons.
The Gophers will face Illinois at the Metrodome for their homecoming game on Oct. 23 and will close the home season on Nov. 13 against Iowa as they try to regain "Floyd of Rosedale" from the Hawkeyes.
Gopher fans that follow the team on the road will also be in for quite a treat in 2004. The Gophers will pack their bags for the first time on Sept. 18 when they face Mountain West foe Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colo. in their only non-conference road game. Minnesota will visit the state of Michigan on consecutive weekends as they take on Michigan in Ann Arbor on Oct. 9 for the "Little Brown Jug" and return to East Lansing the following weekend (Oct. 16) to take on Michigan State.
The Gophers' final two road games will take place on consecutive weekends as Minnesota visits Bloomington on Oct. 30 to face the Hoosiers before defending "Paul Bunyan's Axe" against Wisconsin on Nov. 6.
A FINAL GLANCE
The Gophers continue to generate excitement for the upcoming season following their bowl success under Glen Mason the past two years and their 10-win campaign in 2003. With a majority of their record-setting offense returning and a more experienced group coming back on the defensive side, the Gophers believe something special awaits in 2004.
