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University of Minnesota Athletics
Blog: Top Metrodome Moments
11/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Back in August, we asked Golden Gopher fans to vote for the top moment in Minnesota's 27 years in the Metrodome. The top seven moments have be unveiled in each home game this season. The top moment, as voted by you, will be announced during Saturday's dome finale against Iowa. Take a look at Moments 2 through 7 below. Click the link for video.
NUMBER SEVEN: Atwell Returns Two for TDs; amasses 349 all-purpose yards - Sept. 13, 1997
Tutu Atwell set an NCAA record with a pair of kickoff returns for touchdown in a 53-29 victory over Iowa State. In all, he accounted for a school record 349 all-purpose odds. After setting up Minnesota's first touchdown with a 37-yard punt return, Atwell gave Minnesota a 14-6 lead with an 89 yard kickoff return in the second quarter. After Iowa State took a 22-21 lead in the third quarter, Atwell responded with an 93 yard kickoff return. Atwell also had one carry for 33 yards and four catches for 36 yards. For good measure, Atwell had a 90 yard punt return called back in the first quarter due to a penalty.
NUMBER SIX: Tyrone Carter returns two fumbles for touchdown in upset of Syracuse - Sept. 21, 1996
In a span of 56 seconds, freshman safety Tyrone Carter returned an NCAA record two fumbles for touchdown as Minnesota upset No. 23 Syracuse, 35-33, at the Metrodome. The future All-American was making his first career start for the Golden Gophers. Trailing 12-7 in the third quarter, Carter picked up Malcolm Thomas' fumble and returned it 63 yards for the score. Less than a minute later, Carter scooped up a Tebucky Jones fumble and ran it in for 20 yards and his second touchdown.
NUMBER FIVE: Minnesota (Finally) Beats Purdue, 42-35, in double overtime - Sept. 24, 2005
The Golden Gophers appeared headed to their ninth straight loss against No. 11 Purdue when the Boilermakers took a 28-20 lead on an interception return with just over five minutes to play in the game. Senior quarterback Bryan Cupito responded with a masterful 65-yard drive capped by an eight yard touchdown pass to Matt Spaeth in the back of the end zone. Needing two points to tie, Cupito executed the option to perfection as he dove into the end zone to tie the game. Trailing 35-28 in the first overtime and facing fourth and goal from the eight, Cupito connected with Logan Payne to once again tie the game. Following Gary Russell's touchdown run in the second overtime, Minnesota's defense held the Boilermakers and the celebration was on. Laurence Maroney finished the game with 217 yards on the ground and 333 all-purpose yards.
NUMBER FOUR: 115 Points!!! Minnesota 59, Purdue 56 - Oct. 9, 1993
Minnesota broke eight school records in a thrilling 59-56 win over Purdue in the Metrodome. Junior quarterback Scott Eckers completed 24-of-36 passes for 402 yards and six touchdowns, while Omar Douglas set a school record with five touchdown receptions. Minnesota trailed for most of the game until Justin Conzemius returned an interception 55 yards to give the Golden Gophers a 49-42 lead. Mike Chalberg kicked the game winner with just eight seconds to play. The two teams combined for 115 points and 1,184 total yards.
NUMBER THREE: Darrell Thompson's 98 yard run vs. Michigan - Nov. 7, 1987
With the ball at their own two-yard line and holding a slim 10-7 lead over Michigan, then-sophomore Darrell Thompson took the handoff, cut to the right sideline and raced 98 yards for the touchdown. Thompson's run broke Rick Upchurch's school record of 84 yards set in 1974 and established a new Big Ten record, which was previously held by Iowa's Eddie Vincent (94 yards).
NUMBER TWO: Gophers hand Badgers' their only loss: Minnesota 28, Wisconsin 21 - Oct. 23, 1993
Minnesota capitalized on five interceptions in a 28-21 win over the 15th-ranked Badgers in front of 64,798 fans at the Metrodome. It would be the only loss suffered by Wisconsin during the 1993 season. Minnesota built a 21-0 first-half lead as Scott Eckers passed for a pair of touchdowns. Leading just 21-14 in the fourth quarter, Minnesota's defense held the Badgers on fourth and inches at the Gophers' seven-yard line.
BONUS VIDEO: Relive Minnesota's first season in the Metrodome.
