2007 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team

American college football season March 2012 February 2026 2007 Minnesota Golden Gophers football Minnesota Golden Gophers logo.svg 125 Big Ten Conference Big Ten 1–11 0–8 Tim Brewster 1st Mike Dunbar 1st Spread Everett Withers 1st 4–3 Tony Brinkhaus Amir Pinnix Mike Sherels John Shevlin Steve Shidell William VanDeSteeg Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome The 2007 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Led by first-year head coach Tim Brewster, the Golden Gophers compiled an overall record of 1–11 with a mark of 0–8 in conference play, placing last out of 11 teams in the Big Ten. Minnesota played home games at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis. Schedule 2007 AP Central September 1 7:00 p.m. l y Bowling Green Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN BTN 31–32 OT 49,253 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311ach.html Bowling Green 32, Minnesota 31 Gophersports.com September 1, 2007 March 3, 2012 September 8 11:00 a.m. w y Miami (Ohio) Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN BTN 41–35 3OT 45,383 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311acg.html Minnesota 41, Miami 35 Gophersports.com September 8, 2007 March 3, 2012 September 15 12:00 p.m. l y y Florida Atlantic Dolphin Stadium Miami Gardens, FL ESPN360 39–42 10,759 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311acf.html Florida Atlantic 42, Minnesota 39 Gophersports.com September 15, 2007 March 3, 2012 September 22 8:00 p.m. l Purdue Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN ESPN2 31–45 47,483 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311ace.html Purdue 45, Minnesota 31 Gophersports.com September 22, 2007 March 3, 2012 September 29 7:00 p.m. l Ohio State 8 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN ESPN2 7–30 51,611 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311acd.html Ohio State 30, Minnesota 7 Gophersports.com September 29, 2007 March 3, 2012 October 6 11:00 a.m. l y Indiana Memorial Stadium Bloomington, IN BTN 20–40 32,009 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311acc.html Indiana 40, Minnesota 20 Gophersports.com October 6, 2007 March 3, 2012 October 13 11:00 a.m. l y Northwestern Ryan Field Evanston, IL BTN 48–49 2OT 23,314 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311acb.html Northwestern 49, Minnesota 48 Gophersports.com October 13, 2007 March 3, 2012 October 20 11:00 a.m. l y North Dakota State Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN BTN 21–27 63,088 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311aca.html North Dakota State 27, Minnesota 21 Gophersports.com October 20, 2007 March 3, 2012 October 27 2:30 p.m. l y Michigan 19 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI Little Brown Jug ESPN Classic/ABC 10–34 109,432 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311abz.html Michigan 34, Minnesota 10 Gophersports.com October 27, 2007 March 3, 2012 November 3 7:00 p.m. l y Illinois Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN BTN 17–44 46,604 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311aby.html Illinois 44, Minnesota 17 Gophersports.com November 3, 2007 March 3, 2012 November 10 11:00 a.m. l y Iowa Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA rivalry BTN 16–21 70,585 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311abx.html Iowa 21, Minnesota 16 Gophersports.com November 10, 2007 March 3, 2012 November 17 2:30 p.m. l Wisconsin 24 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN rivalry BTN 34–41 59,116 http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/080311abw.html Wisconsin 41, Minnesota 34 Gophersports.com November 17, 2007 March 3, 2012 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.Gophers' guy: Brewster to replace Mason at Minnesota, ESPN.com, January 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.It's Official: Brewster is New U Football Coach Chip Scoggins http://www.startribune.com/512/story/939076.html Star Tribune Minneapolis January 16, 2007 January 16, 2007 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070118095241/http://www.startribune.com/512/story/939076.html January 18, 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.".New U Coach: Rose Bowl is the Goal Jeff Shelman http://www.startribune.com/512/story/942337.html Star Tribune Minneapolis January 17, 2007 January 17, 2007 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20070119053025/http://www.startribune.com/512/story/942337.html January 19, 2007 mdy Shortly thereafter, while addressing Gopher fans during a basketball game at Williams Arena, Brewster reiterated these goals, along with a vow to "Recruit, recruit, recruit." 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.Forliti Amy 3 Gopher football players accused of sexual assault, suspended Associated Press April 6, 2007 http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/04/06/gopherplayers/ April 9, 2007Gurnon Emily Gophers Players Released Pending Further Investigation in Rape Case http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_5627089?nclick_check=1 Associated Press April 9, 2007 April 9, 2007 On July 16, 2007, Dominic Jones was arrested and charged in Hennepin County District Court with criminal sexual conduct after video of the incident was discovered. All four players involved were kicked off the team. Game summaries left|thumb|Ernie Wheelwright scored a touchdown against Bowling Green. Bowling Green Falcons 14 7 0 3 8 32 Gophers 0 0 7 17 7 31 In 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 (OH) RedHawks 3 6 3 16 7 0 0 35 Gophers 7 7 0 14 7 0 6 41 Tim 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 midway 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 Gophers 14 0 10 15 39 Owls 14 21 0 7 42 The 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 35–14 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 Boilermakers 17 7 14 7 45 Gophers 3 0 14 14 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. Right before the half, Gophers cornerback Jamal Harris returned a blocked field goal and dropped the ball at about the 15 yard-line. 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 #8 Buckeyes 14 6 3 7 Gophers 0 7 0 0 The Golden Gophers entered their second Big 10 game of the season against the No. 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.Campbell, Dave (September 29, 2007) (8) Ohio St. 30, Minnesota 7, Associated Press. Indiana Gophers 14 0 0 6 Hoosiers 14 13 6 7 Minnesota 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 Gophers 0 21 14 0 7 6 Wildcats 7 7 7 14 7 7 The 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.Big Risk, but No Reward Chip Scoggins http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1482639.html Star Tribune Minneapolis October 14, 2007 October 14, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071014034408/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1482639.html October 14, 2007 dead mdy-all 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.Gophers Deserved Better from Coach in This One Patrick Reusse http://www.startribune.com/reusse/story/1483254.html Star Tribune Minneapolis October 14, 2007 October 14, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071014154509/http://www.startribune.com/reusse/story/1483254.html October 14, 2007 dead mdy-all 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. North Dakota State (I-AA) Bison 14 3 0 10 Gophers 7 7 7 0 The 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 upsetting them in a 10–9 decision the previous season.Brewster Looks to Past to Prepare for Future Dennis Brackin http://www.startribune.com/512/story/1484282.html Star Tribune Minneapolis October 15, 2007 October 15, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071017025157/http://www.startribune.com/512/story/1484282.html October 17, 2007 dead mdy-all NDSU entered the game ranked No. 1 in I-AA (but ineligible for the playoffs due to its transition period from Division II) and undefeated at 5–0, including a 44–14 win over FBS (D-IA) Central Michigan.FCS Coaches Poll (I-AA): Week 7, Yahoo! Sports. 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."Brewster's Insults Were All the Spur Bison Needed Rachel Blount http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497736.html Star Tribune Minneapolis October 20, 2007 October 20, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071022105549/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497736.html October 22, 2007 dead mdy-all 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.Record-Setting Roehl Gets 63,008 'Wows' Myron P. Medcalf http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497777.html Star Tribune Minneapolis October 20, 2007 October 20, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071021082006/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497777.html October 21, 2007 dead mdy-all 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.Gophers Are Bullied by the Bison Chip Scoggins http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497262.html Star Tribune Minneapolis October 20, 2007 October 20, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071022030508/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1497262.html October 22, 2007 dead mdy-allAmid Failure, Gophers Pull in a Top Recruit Chip Scoggins http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1498789.html Star Tribune Minneapolis October 24, 2007 October 24, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071024105622/http://www.startribune.com/gophers/story/1498789.html October 24, 2007 dead mdy-all 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. The victory extended NDSU's winning streak to 11-games, then the longest in all of Division I football. Approximately 30,000 of those in attendance were NDSU fans.North Dakota St. 27, Minnesota 21 Jon Krawczynski https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/recap?gid=200710200031(3) Yahoo! Sports Associated Press October 20, 2007 October 20, 2007 In addition, the North Dakota State received $300,000 from the University of Minnesota for appearing in the game. Michigan Gophers 3 7 0 0 #19 Wolverines 0 13 7 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 of 13 in converting third down opportunities. Illinois Fighting Illini 14 20 3 7 Gophers 0 10 0 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 Gophers 0 10 0 6 Hawkeyes 14 7 0 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 Badgers 3 7 10 21 Golden Gophers 3 10 7 14 The 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 completed Minnesota's first winless Big Ten campaign since 1983. Roster Quarterbacks  4 Clint Brewster – freshman  8 Adam Weber – 10px|Redshirt freshman 11 Mike Frankberg – senior 13 Ben Gaither – freshman 17 Tony Mortenson – junior 19 Mike Maciejowski – junior Running backs  5 R.J. Buckner – 10px|Redshirt freshman 22 Duane Bennett – freshman 25 Jay Thomas – sophomore 28 Damola Ogundipe – 10px|Redshirt freshman 29 Amir Pinnix – senior 34 Tyler Johnson – sophomore Fullbacks 18 Justin Valentine – senior Wide receivers  1 Ernie Wheelwright – senior  6 Tray Herndon – freshman  7 Eric Decker – sophomore 11 Michael Kasten – junior 14 Damien White – freshman 30 Marcus Sherels – sophomore 38 Andy Metz – 10px|Redshirt freshman 81 Ralph Spry – freshman 82 Marc Cheatham – junior 84 Jimmy Thompson – freshman 87 Kyle Moore – freshman Tight ends 48 Nick Tow-Arnett – sophomore 80 Jack Simmons – junior 86 Troy Reilly – sophomore 88 Collin McGarry – freshman 96 Curtis Hughes – 10px|Redshirt freshman Centers 53 D.J. Burris – 10px|Redshirt freshman 77 Tony Brinkhaus – senior Offensive guards 52 Jeff Tow-Arnett – sophomore 65 Jimmy Snyder – 10px|Redshirt freshman 66 Nedward Tavale – sophomore 67 Nick Weber – junior 69 John Jakel – senior 74 Ryan Ruckdashel – sophomore Offensive tackles 62 Erik Kottom – freshman 63 Andy Brinkhaus – 10px|Redshirt freshman 64 Steve Shidell – senior 73 Jason Meinke – sophomore 76 Dominic Alford – 10px|Redshirt freshman 79 Matt DeGeest – junior Offensive line 60 Ryan Wynn – freshman 61 Trey Davis – freshman 68 Chris Bunders – freshman 71 Chris Mensen – sophomore 78 Ryan Orton – freshman Defensive tackles 51 Eric Small – sophomore 55 Tony Strouth – freshman 57 Steve Herold – freshman 70 Todd Meisel – senior 75 Otis Hudson – sophomore 79 Barrett Moen – sophomore 90 Eric Clark – senior 96 Matt Stommes – sophomore 98 Neel Allen – senior 99 Garrett Brown – sophomore Defensive ends 30 Lee Campbell – sophomore 83 Joey Hiben – sophomore 90 Raymond Henderson – sophomore 91 William Van DeSteeg – junior 93 Derrick Onwuachi – sophomore 95 William Brody – junior 97 Anthony Jacobs – freshman Linebackers 16 John Carlson – junior 28 Kevin Mannion – junior 32 Nathan Triplett – sophomore 34 Andre Tate' – freshman 35 Jon Hoese – freshman 42 Logan U'u – junior 44 Deon Hightower – junior 45 Thomas Hennessey – sophomore 46 John Shevlin – senior 56 Steve Davis – junior 58 Mike Sherels – senior 59 Steve Moore – junior 94 Willie Dyson – sophomore Cornerbacks 11 Desi Steib – senior 21 Daron Love – 10px|Redshirt freshman Strong safeties  9 Curtis Thomas – freshman 26 Duran Cooley – senior Free safeties 15 Jamal Harris – senior 17 T.J. Wentzel – sophomore 23 Dominique Barber – senior 49 Scott Jilek – sophomore Defensive backs  2 Ryan Collado – freshman 13 Michael McKelton – sophomore 27 Kyle Theret – freshman 40 Shane Potter – freshman 48 Bryan Klitzke – freshman Punters 38 Blake Haudan – sophomore 41 Justin Kucek – junior Kickers 31 Jason Giannini – junior 36 Joel Monroe – junior 37 Eric Ellestad – 10px|Redshirt freshman Long snappers 43 Robert McGarry – senior 47 Ryan Coleman – 10px|Redshirt freshman Athletes  3 Harold Howell – freshman 20 Justin Chatman – freshman 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 Bigten.cstv.com November 19, 2007 March 3, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20071121221342/http://bigten.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111907aaj.html November 21, 2007 dead mdy-all Justin kucek – 2nd Team All-Big Ten (Media) Team awards Bronko Nagurski Award (Team Most Valuable Player)http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121007aaa.html Barber Named Team MVP at Football Awards Banquet Gopher Sports March 22, 2012 September 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150914182330/http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/121007aaa.html dead 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 Minnesota Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football seasons Minnesota Golden Gophers football