2007 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team

NCAATeamFootballSeason
Year=2007
Team=Minnesota Golden Gophers


ImageSize=200
Conference=Big Ten Conference
ShortConference=Big Ten
Division=
CoachRank=
APRank=
Record=1-11
ConfRecord=0-8
HeadCoach=Tim Brewster
OffCoach= Mike Dunbar
DefCoach= Everett Withers
OScheme= Spread
DScheme= 4-3
StadiumArena=Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Champion=
BowlTourney=
BowlTourneyResult=

The 2007 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team was the first for new head coach Tim Brewster. They began play on September 1, 2007 at home against Bowling Green State University and finished the season with a record of 1 win and 11 losses.

Preseason

On January 15, 2007 it was reported on ESPN.com that Tim Brewster was the choice of University of Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi to replace Glen Mason as the Gophers head coach. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2732273 Gophers' guy: Brewster to replace Mason at Minnesota] , ESPN.com, Jan. 16, 2007] The following day, January 16, Minnesota associate athletic director Tom Wistrcill confirmed that Brewster was indeed the University's choice, with the contract signed in the early morning.Chip Scoggins, [http://www.startribune.com/512/story/939076.html It's official: Brewster is new U football coach] , "Star Tribune", January 16, 2007.] Brewster was officially presented as the new head coach on Wednesday, January 17 at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus. At his first press conference, Brewster stated that his immediate goals for the program were to "win the Big Ten championship" and "take the Gopher Nation to Pasadena."Jeff Shelman, [http://www.startribune.com/512/story/942337.html New U coach: Rose Bowl is the goal] , "Star Tribune", January 17, 2007.]

Off-field incidents

On April 6, 2007, Gopher players Alex Daniels, Keith Massey, and E.J. Jones were arrested on suspicion of rape of an 18-year-old Minneapolis woman at the University Village apartment complex. On April 9, 2007 they were released without being charged pending further investigation. [cite news | last = Forliti | first = Amy | title = 3 Gopher football players accused of sexual assault, suspended | publisher = Associated Press | date = April 6, 2007 | url = http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/04/06/gopherplayers/ | accessdate = 2007-04-09 ] [cite news | last = Gurnon | first = Emily | title = Gophers players released pending further investigation in rape case | publisher = Associated Press | date = April 9, 2007 | url = http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_5627089?nclick_check=1 | accessdate = 2007-04-09 ] On July 16, 2007, Dominic Jones was arrested and charged in Hennepin County district court with criminal sexual conduct after video of him committing the rape was discovered. All four players involved were kicked off the team.

chedule

CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/01/2007
time = 7:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Bowling Green
opprank =
site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 32–31
overtime = OTCFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/08/2007
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = w
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Miami (Ohio)
opprank =
site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 41–35
overtime = 3OTCFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/15/2007
time = 12:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Florida Atlantic
opprank =
site_stadium = Dolphin Stadium
site_cityst = Miami Gardens, FL
gamename =
tv = ESPN360
score = 42–39
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/22/2007
time = 8:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Purdue
opprank =
site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
gamename =
tv = ESPN2
score = 45–31
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 09/29/2007
time = 7:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Ohio State
opprank = 8
site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
gamename =
tv = ESPN2
score = 30–7
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/06/2007
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Indiana
opprank =
site_stadium = Memorial Stadium
site_cityst = Bloomington, IN
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 40–20
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/13/2007
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Northwestern
opprank =
site_stadium = Ryan Field
site_cityst = Evanston, IL
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 49–48
overtime = 2OTCFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/20/2007
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = l
nonconf = yes
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = North Dakota State
opprank =
site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 27–21
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 10/27/2007
time = 2:30 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Michigan
opprank = 20
site_stadium = Michigan Stadium
site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI
gamename = Little Brown Jug
tv = ESPN Classic
score = 34–10
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/03/2007
time = 7:00 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming = yes
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Illinois
opprank =
site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
gamename =
tv = BTN
score = 44-17
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/10/2007
time = 11:00 a.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away = yes
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Iowa
opprank =
site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium
site_cityst = Iowa City, IA
gamename = Floyd of Rosedale
tv = BTN
score = 21-16
overtime =CFB Schedule Entry
date = 11/17/2007
time = 2:30 p.m.
w/l = l
nonconf =
homecoming =
away =
neutral =
rank =
opponent = Wisconsin
opprank =
site_stadium = Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
site_cityst = Minneapolis, MN
gamename = Paul Bunyan's Axe
tv = BTN
score = 41-34
overtime =

Roster

Game notes

Bowling Green

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Falcons
R1=14
R2=7
R3=0
R4=3
R5=8
RT=32
Home=Gophers
H1=0
H2=0
H3=7
H4=17
H5=7
HT=31In Tim Brewster's first game as Gopher head coach, Bowling Green flew out to a 21–0 first half lead. The Gophers finally got in gear midway through the third quarter, and proceeded to score four straight times, the final score being a 33 yard Jason Giannini field goal to give Minnesota a 24–21 lead with 2:12 remaining. Bowling Green then drove down the field and kicked a 35 yard field goal with 0:03 left in the game to tie the score at 24–24 and send the game to overtime. In the overtime session, the Gophers took the ball first and scored a touchdown, scoring on a 22 yard Amir Pinnix run, and converting the extra point to go up 31–24. Bowling Green followed that up with a touchdown of their own, but instead of trying to tie the game with an extra point, the Falcons went for two. They converted it on a Marques Parks reception to win the game, 32–31.

Miami (Ohio)

Linescore Amfootball
Road=RedHawks
R1=3
R2=6
R3=3
R4=16
R5=7
R6=0
R7=0
RT=35
Home=Gophers
H1=7
H2=7
H3=0
H4=14
H5=7
H6=0
H7=6
HT=41Tim Brewster got his first win as a college head coach in a 41–35, three overtime victory. After the Gophers pulled out to a 28–12 lead mid-way through the 4th quarter, Miami started a furious comeback, tying the game on a 36 yard Trevor Cook field goal with 11 seconds left in regulation. In the first overtime both teams traded touchdowns. In the second overtime both teams missed potentially game winning field goals. In the third overtime, Gopher cornerback Jamal Harris intercepted a Daniel Raudabaugh pass in the endzone. The Gophers then took the ball and scored the game winning touchdown on an Amir Pinnix 2 yard touchdown run. Going back to Insight Bowl last season, it was the third consecutive overtime game for the Gophers.

Florida Atlantic

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Gophers
R1=14
R2=0
R3=10
R4=15
RT=39
Home=Owls
H1=14
H2=21
H3=0
H4=7
HT=42The Golden Gophers took their first regular season trip to Florida. Their only previous game in Florida was in the 2000 MicronPC.com Bowl. A back and forth first quarter left the score tied at 14. FAU then scored 21 unanswered points in the second quarter, giving a 35–21 margin at the half. A field goal and touchdown from the Gophers in the third quarter brought the Gophers eleven points away from tying the score. The Owls scored the deciding touchdown with under 12 minutes left in the game. Minnesota scored two more touchdowns, but the lead eventually proved insurmountable. The Gophers turned over the ball seven times (four interceptions and three fumbles).

Purdue

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Boilermakers
R1=17
R2=7
R3=14
R4=7
RT=45
Home=Gophers
H1=3
H2=0
H3=14
H4=14
HT=31

Purdue scored early and often against the Golden Gophers. On the first play of the game, Purdue scored a special teams touchdown when Dorien Bryant returned the opening kickoff the distance. Later in the first quarter Purdue scored an offensive touchdown on a Curtis Painter pass, and on the first play of the second quarter the Boilermakers scored a defensive touchdown on an interception return off an Adam Weber pass. Four first half turnovers made the Gophers comeback attempts difficult. Minnesota finally got in gear in the second half, scoring 28 points, but the Gopher defense could not stop Purdue, as the Boilermakers tacked on three more touchdowns to win the game 45–31.

Ohio State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Buckeyes
R1=14
R2=6
R3=3
R4=7
Home=Gophers
H1=0
H2=7
H3=0
H4=0The Golden Gophers entered their second Big 10 game of the season against the #8 Ohio State Buckeyes with nothing to lose. In an attempt to gain an element of surprise, the Gophers warmed up on the field in their standard maroon home jerseys, but switched to new gold jerseys before taking the field for the game (alternatively described by the media as "mustard" or "garish"). Although Minnesota played better than it had previously in the season, the outmanned team fell victim to numerous mistakes that cost the Gophers several opportunities. With the construction of the new TCF Bank Stadium scheduled to be finished by the 2009 season, the Buckeyes are assured of never losing in the Metrodome, finishing with an 11-0 record since the Gophers moved to the Dome in 1982.Dave Campbell, [http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200709290031 (8) Ohio St. 30, Minnesota 7] , Associated Press, September 29, 2007.]

Indiana

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Gophers
R1=14
R2=0
R3=0
R4=6
Home=Hoosiers
H1=14
H2=13
H3=6
H4=7Minnesota entered their first Big Ten road game of the season looking for their first conference victory. The Gophers gathered 392 yards of offense in a losing effort. Gophers quarterback Adam Weber passed for 280 yards, but also had two interceptions. Indiana connected on four field goal tries, ranging from 25 to 47 yards in length. Two of Minnesota's drives into Indiana territory were turned over on downs. Six of Minnesota's 12 drives started at or behind their own 20 yard line.

Northwestern

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Gophers
R1=0
R2=21
R3=14
R4=0
R5=7
R6=6
Home=Wildcats
H1=7
H2=7
H3=7
H4=14
H5=7
H6=7The Gophers continued Big 10 play by visiting the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Before a crowd of 23,314, the Gophers took a 21-point lead in the 2nd half, ahead 35–14 with 6 minutes, 18 seconds left in the third quarter. However, the Wildcats were able to tie the game by taking advantage of two interceptions and making the tying score with a 4-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-goal with 8 seconds remaining. Going into the second overtime, Tim Brewster, who turned 47 that day, elected to for a two-point conversion and the win, but the conversion failed and Northwestern pulled out the victory.Chip Scoggins, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1482639.html Big risk, but no reward] , "Star Tribune", October 14, 2007.] The decision to gamble and go for two-points and the win instead of one-point and the next overtime period drew criticism for Brewster; as Northwestern defense appeared unable to stop the Minnesota offense. Patrick Reusse, [http://www.startribune.com/reusse/story/1483254.html Gophers deserved better from coach in this one] , "Star Tribune", October 14, 2007.]

The Gophers finished with 580 total yards while Northwestern had 589; they combined for 169 plays. Gopher quarterback Adam Weber finished with 25 of 38 passes for 341 yards and five touchdowns, with two interceptions, while also rushing for 89 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries; his total yards and 5 TD passes were the second most in school history. Receiver Ernie Wheelwright had a career best seven catches for 116 yards and three touchdowns. Jay Thomas rushed for 100 yards on 22 carries.Chip Scoggins, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1482639.html Big risk, but no reward] , "Star Tribune", October 14, 2007.]

North Dakota State

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Bison
R1=14
R2=3
R3=0
R4=10
Home=Gophers
H1=7
H2=7
H3=7
H4=0The North Dakota State Bison of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA), led by head coach Craig Bohl, visited the Gophers for the second year in a row after nearly upseting them in a 10–9 decision the previous season.Dennis Brackin, [http://www.startribune.com/512/story/1484282.html Brewster looks to past to prepare for future] , "Star Tribune", October 15, 2007.] NDSU entered the game ranked No. 1 in I-AA (but ineligible for the playoffs due to the its transition period from Division II) and undefeated at 5-0, including a 44–14 win over FBS (D-IA) Central Michigan. [http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/polls?poll=7&date=2007-10-14 FCS Coaches Poll (I-AA): Week 7] , Yahoo! Sports.] Dennis Brackin, [http://www.startribune.com/512/story/1484282.html Brewster looks to past to prepare for future] , "Star Tribune", October 15, 2007.] The Bison were previously 0-6 all-time against the Gophers. Coach Tim Brewster stated in the week before the game that he did not see the recruiting value in the Gophers playing the match-up, and referred to the Bison as "the little guys in green."Rachel Blount, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497736.html Brewster's insults were all the spur Bison needed] , "Star Tribune", October 20, 2007.]

The Bison defeated the Gophers 27–21 in front of 63,088, the most people to attend a Gopher game to that point in the season.Myron P. Medcalf, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497777.html Record-setting Roehl gets 63,008 'wows'] , "Star Tribune", October 20, 2007.] The Gophers were dominated in every facet of the game, by a team with 22 fewer scholarship players and none with scholarship offers by Minnesota. The game was considered a low point for the program as a whole.Chip Scoggins, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497262.html Gophers are bullied by the Bison] , "Star Tribune", October 20, 2007.] Chip Scoggins, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1498789.html Amid failure, Gophers pull in a top recruit] , "Star Tribune", October 24, 2007.] NDSU rushed for 394 yards and totaled 585 yards with an edge in time of possession of nearly 14 minutes. Bison running back Tyler Roehl had a school-record 263 yards on 22 carries with one touchdown. The defeat put the Gophers at 1-7 and official out of contention for a bowl game bid.Chip Scoggins, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497262.html Gophers are bullied by the Bison] , "Star Tribune", October 20, 2007.] The victory extended NDSU's winning streak to 11-games, then the longest in all of Division I football.Rachel Blount, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497736.html Brewster's insults were all the spur Bison needed] , "Star Tribune", October 20, 2007.]

Approximately 30,000 of those in attendance were NDSU fans.Jon Krawczynski, [http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200710200031(3) North Dakota St. 27, Minnesota 21] , Associated Press, October 20, 2007.] In addition, the North Dakota State received $300,000 from the University of Minnesota for appearing in the game.Chip Scoggins, [http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497262.html Gophers are bullied by the Bison] , "Star Tribune", October 20, 2007.]

Michigan

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Gophers
R1=3
R2=7
R3=0
R4=0
Home=Wolverines
H1=0
H2=13
H3=7
H4=14In the battle for the Little Brown Jug, the Gophers held Michigan scoreless in the first quarter while building a 10-0 lead twelve seconds into the second quarter after a 46 yard fumble return for a touchdown by senior safety Dominique Barber. That would be the last time the Gophers would score however, and Michigan responded by reeling off 34 unanswered points to win the game 34-10. Ryan Mallett had 233 yards passing for Michigan. 162 of those yards went to Mario Manningham, who also hauled in a touchdown pass. The Wolverine running back duo of Carlos Brown and Brandon Minor combined for 289 yards on the ground. Duane Bennett had 106 yards rushing for the Gophers while Adam Weber was limited to just 99 yards through the air. Minnesota was just 2-13 in converting third down opportunties.

Illinois

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Fighting Illini
R1=14
R2=20
R3=3
R4=7
Home=Gophers
H1=0
H2=10
H3=0
H4=7Illinois found success on offense early and often in defeating Minnesota in their homecoming game, 44-10. The Illini led 14-0 after the first quarter, and expanded their lead to 34-10 at halftime. The Illini rolled up 655 yards of total offense, which included a season high 448 yards rushing. Rashard Mendenhall led the Illini attack with 201 yards on the ground, with quarterback Juice Williams adding 133 yards. Ernie Wheelwright led the Gopher attack with 9 catches for 133 yards and one touchdown.

Iowa

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Gophers
R1=0
R2=10
R3=0
R4=6
Home=Hawkeyes
H1=14
H2=7
H3=0
H4=0The Hawkeyes won a defensive battle, claiming the Floyd of Rosedale and dropping Minnesota to 0-7 in the Big Ten. Albert Young rushed for 92 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Hawkeyes, while Jake Christensen threw a TD pass to Brandon Myers for the other score. Eric Decker caught a 22 yard touchdown pass from Adam Weber with 1:38 left in the fourth quarter to make the game close, but the two point conversion failed and Iowa ran out the clock for the victory.

Wisconsin

Linescore Amfootball
Road=Badgers
R1=3
R2=7
R3=10
R4=21
Home=Golden Gophers
H1=3
H2=10
H3=7
H4=14The Wisconsin Badgers won the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe in a game featuring a lot of offense. Minnesota led the game 13-10 at halftime, but after the break Wisconsin outscored Minnesota 31-21 to win the game by 7. Freshman David Gilreath had two punt returns for 106 yards to spark Wisconsin. Running back Zach Brown led the Badger attack on the ground, rushing for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Led by Adam Weber's 352 yards passing and 87 yards rushing, Minnesota rolled up 501 ones yards in total offense in defeat. The loss made Minnesota cinched Minnesota's first winless Big Ten campaign since 1983.

Awards and honors

All-Big Ten

* Dominique Barber - 2nd Team All-Big Ten (Coaches & Media) [http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111907aaj.html 2007 All-Big Ten football team] ]
* Justin Kucek - 2nd Team All-Big Ten (Media)

Team awards

Bronko Nagurski Award (Team Most Valuable Player) [ [http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1350663 Barber Named Team MVP at Football Awards Banquet] ]
* Dominique Barber

Bruce Smith Award (Outstanding Offensive Player)
* Eric Decker

Carl Eller Award (Outstanding Defensive Player)
* Dominique Barber

Bobby Bell Award (Outstanding Special Teams Player)
* Justin Kucek
* Nathan Triplett

Butch Nash Award (Competitive on the field and in the classroom)
* John Shevlin (Defense)
* Steve Shidell (Offense)

Paul Giel Award (Unselfishness and most concern about the U of M)
* Todd Meisel (Defense)
* Tony Brinkhaus (Offense)

Neil Fredenburg Award (Courage and Love of the Game)
* Mike Sherels (Defense)
* Justin Valentine (Offense)

Outstanding First Year Player
* Kyle Theret (Defense)
* Adam Weber (Offense)

Outstanding Scout Team Players
* Kyle Moore (Offense)
* Andre Tate’ (Defense)

Coaches Award for Career Achievement
* Ernie Wheelwright

Tony Dungy Character and Community Service Award
* Amir Pinnix, Sr.

References