1980 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team

American college football season August 2023 February 2026 1980 Minnesota Golden Gophers football Big Ten Conference Big Ten 5–6 4–5 Joe Salem 2nd Marion Barber Jr. Marion Barber Jr. Memorial Stadium The 1980 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team was an American football team that represented the University of Minnesota in the 1980 Big Ten Conference football season. In their second year under head coach Joe Salem, the Golden Gophers finished in fifth place in the Big Ten Conference (Big Ten), compiled a 5–6 record (4–5 against Big Ten opponents), and were outscored by their opponents by a combined total of 250 to 210.1980 Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 8, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/minnesota/1980-schedule.html The team's statistical leader included quarterback Tim Salem (son of head coach Joe Salem) with 887 passing yards, fullback Garry White with 959 rushing yards, Chester Cooper with 210 receiving yards, and tailback Marion Barber Jr. with 66 points scored.1980 Minnesota Golden Gophers Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 8, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/minnesota/1980.html Several Minnesota players also ranked among the Big Ten leaders in various statistical categories, including the following: Marion Barber led the Big Ten with 11 rushing touchdowns and ranked seventh with 769 rushing yards.1980 Big Ten Conference Year Summary Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 2, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/conferences/big-ten/1980.html Garry White ranked second in the Big Ten with 5.4 yards per rushing attempt, third with nine rushing touchdowns and 1,136 yards from scrimmage, and fourth with 959 rushing yards. Tim Salem ranked fifth in the Big Ten with 13 interceptions, eighth with a 47.6 pass completion percentage and ninth with 887 passing yards and an 80.1 passer efficiency rating. Marion Barber was the team captain and received the team's Most Valuable Player award. Barber, fullback Garry White, and defensive end Jeff Schuh were named All-Big Ten first team. Offensive guard Ken Dallafoir, free safety Mike Robb, linebacker Jeff Schuh, and defensive tackle Dana Noel were named All-Big Ten second team. Defensive lineman Brent Harms, defensive lineman Fred Orgas and free safety Mike Robb were named Academic All-Big Ten. Keiser Jeff 2007 Media Guide 179–182 2007 http://www.gophersports.com//pdf6/80499.pdf?SPSID=39281&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400 March 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Total attendance for the season was 265,105, which averaged to 44,184. The season high for attendance was against rival Iowa. Keiser Jeff 2007 Media Guide 160 2007 http://www.gophersports.com//pdf3/80498.pdf?SPSID=39281&SPID=3280&DB_OEM_ID=8400 August 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes Schedule 1980 AP September 13 w y Ohio Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN 38–14 35,114 https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-tribune-salem-witchcraft-boils-ohio/158656010/ Minneapolis Tribune Salem witchcraft boils Ohio U. 38–14 September 14, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com September 20 l y Ohio State 2 Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH 0–47 87,916 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-anniston-star-ohio-state-destroys-mi/158656118/ The Anniston Star Ohio State destroys Minnesota September 21, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com September 27 l y USC 5 Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN 7–24 55,115 https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times-allen-sparks-usc-past-mi/158517843/ St. Petersburg Times Allen sparks USC past Minnesota September 28, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 4 w y Northwestern Dyche Stadium Evanston, IL 49–21 17,747 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sioux-city-journal-minnesota-blows-p/158649881/ The Sioux City Journal Minnesota blows past Northwestern, 49–21 October 5, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 11 l y Purdue Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN 7–21 69,399 https://www.newspapers.com/article/lansing-state-journal-herrmanns-passing/158656197/ Lansing State Journal Herrmann's passing powers Purdue, 21–7 October 12, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 18 l y Michigan Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN Little Brown Jug 14–37 56,297 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-michigan-breezes-past/158656294/ The Flint Journal Michigan breezes past Minnesota, 37–14 October 19, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com October 25 w Iowa Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN rivalry 24–6 58,158 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-hawkeyes-drown-in-sea-of-mis/158656381/ The Gazette Hawkeyes drown in sea of mistakes October 26, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 1 w y Illinois Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL 21–18 51,202 https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-minnesota-tops-i/158650861/ Wisconsin State Journal Minnesota tops Illinois November 2, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 8 w Indiana Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN 31–7 30,092 https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-minnesota-bowls-over-ind/158655821/ Chicago Tribune Minnesota bowls over Indiana November 9, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 15 l Michigan State Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN 12–30 30,329 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-rock-island-argus-leister-tosses-for/158650588/ The Rock Island Argus Leister tosses for 3 as Spartans triumph November 16, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com November 22 l y Wisconsin Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI rivalry 7–25 54,229 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-rock-island-argus-badgers-zip-to-25/158651520/ The Rock Island Argus Badgers zip to 25–7 victory over Gophers November 23, 1980 November 8, 2024 Newspapers.com Game summaries Ohio On September 13, Minnesota defeated the Ohio Bobcats, 38–14, at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis. Freshman quarterback Tim Salem, the son of Minnesota head coach Joe Salem, passed for 162 yards in his college debut. Marion Barber, Jr. also rushed for 127 yards, and Garry White scored three touchdowns to lead the Golden Gophers.Minnesota 38, Ohio U. 14 Akron Beacon Journal September 14, 1980 C7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7311902/minnesota_38_ohio_u_14/ At Ohio State On September 20, in its first game against a Big Ten opponent, Minnesota lost to Ohio State (AP No. 2), 47–0, before the largest crowd (87,916) in Ohio Stadium history. Ohio State led, 33–0, at halftime in the one-sided contest. Minnesota running back Garry White fumbled twice, and quarterback Tim Salem threw three interceptions to help the Buckeyes' cause.OSU slams Gophers, 47–0 Detroit Free Press September 21, 1980 1G, 5G https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7312511/osu_slams_gophers_470/ USC On September 27, Minnesota lost to USC (AP No. 5), 24–7, in Minneapolis. The game drew a crowd of 55,115, the largest to attend a Minnesota football game in seven years. 1981 Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen rushed for 216 yards on 42 carries and scored two touchdowns for USC.Marcus Allen Has a Big Day at Minnesota Los Angeles Times September 28, 1980 III-1 Mal Florence https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7325497/marcus_allen_has_a_big_day_at/ At Northwestern On October 4, the week's only conference game matched Minnesota against Northwestern at Dyche Stadium (Evanston, Illinois). Minnesota won, 49–21, led by running backs Marion Barber, Jr. (118 rushing yards, three touchdowns) and Garry White (129 rushing yards, two touchdowns).Barber-led Minnesota overwhelms Northwestern, 49–21 Detroit Free Press October 5, 1980 3E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7316172/barberled_minnesota_overwhelms/ At Purdue On October 11, Purdue defeated Minnesota, 21–7, in West Lafayette. In the first half, Purdue took a 21-0 lead, as Mark Herrmann completed 14 of 19 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. Purdue was shut out in the second half, and Herrmann had only 28 passing yards in the second half, but Purdue's 21 points in the first half were enough for the victory.Purdue, Too The Indianapolis Star October 12, 1980 4-1, 4-12 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7359135/purdue_too/ Michigan Week 6: Michigan at Minnesota Michigan 7 16 7 7 Minnesota 0 7 0 7 October 18 Minneapolis 56,297 yes 1 MICH Butch Woolfolk 27-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh) MICH 7-0 2 MINN Marion Barber 2-yard run (Galley kick) TIE 7-7 2 MICH Haji-Sheikh 45-yard field goal MICH 10-7 2 3:27 MICH Woolfolk 10-yard run (Haji-Sheikh kick) MICH 17-7 2 0:25 MICH Haji-Sheikh 29-yard field goal MICH 20-7 2 0:02 MICH Haji-Sheikh 19-yard field goal MICH 23-7 3 MICH Anthony Carter 23-yard pass from John Wangler (Haji-Sheikh kick) MICH 30-7 4 MINN Barber 1-yard run (Gallery kick) MICH 30-14 4 MICH Carter 5-yard pass from Wangler (Haji-Sheikh kick) MICH 37-14 yes On October 18, Minnesota lost to Michigan, 37–14, on homecoming day at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis. The crowd of 56,297 was the largest at Memorial Stadium since 1973.Gophers perform homecoming slapstick Minneapolis Tribune October 19, 1980 1C, 3C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41968606/gophers_perform_homecoming_slapstick/ Newspapers.com Minnesota crowded the line of scrimmage to stop Michigan's run game, opening up the passing game. Michigan quarterback John Wangler completed 16 of 22 passes for 227 yards.U-M jars Gophers for Jug, 37-14 Detroit Free Press Mick McCabe October 19, 1980 1H, 15H https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7364677/um_jars_gophers_for_jug_3714/ In the first quarter, Michigan drove 80 yards on 11 plays, ending with a 27-yard touchdown run by Butch Woolfolk. The Golden Gophers tied the game early in the second quarter on a one-yard run by Marion Barber. Ali Haji-Sheikh put Michigan back in the lead with a 45-yard field goal. With less than five minutes remaining in the first half, Wangler threw an interception at Minnesota's 15-yard line. Two plays later, Barber fumbled, and Michigan recovered at the five-yard line. Woolfolk followed with his second touchdown on a one-yard run. After a defensive hold, Haji-Sheikh kicked his second field goal with 25 seconds remaining in the half. Minnesota fumbled again on its next play from scrimmage, and Michigan recovered at the eight-yard line. Haji-Sheikh kicked his third field goal of the quarter. Michigan scored 13 points in the last three-and-a-half minutes of the half, including two field goals in the last 30 seconds, to take a 23–7 lead at halftime. After the game, Minnesota coach Joe Salem said: "It was unbelievable. Everything in the world that you could imagine going wrong happened to us in those last few minutes of the second quarter. The roof caved in." In the second half, Wangler threw two touchdown passes to Anthony Carter—a 27-yarder in the third quarter and a five-yarder in the fourth quarter. Carter, who faced man-to man-coverage for much of the game, caught nine passes for 142 yards in the game. After the game, coach Schembechler boasted that "Anthony Carter is the best receiver I've ever had. He's dynamite." Carter added, "my eyes kind of light up when I see man-to-man coverage." Minnesota scored a fourth-quarter touchdown after Rich Hewlett turned the ball over on a fumble at Michigan's 20-yard line. Barber scored on a one-yard run. Iowa On October 25, in the annual battle for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, Minnesota defeated Iowa, 24–6, before a crowd of 58,158 in Minneapolis. Iowa fumbled eight times, gave up eight sacks, and managed to score only two field goals. Marion Barber, Jr. scored three rushing touchdowns for Minnesota.Hawkeyes commit 'offensive suicide,'24-6 Des Moines Register October 26, 1980 1D–2D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7341662/hawkeyes_commit_offensive_suicide/ At Illinois On November 1, Minnesota defeated Illinois, 21–18, before a homecoming crowd of 51,202 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois quarterback Dave Wilson completed 22 of 59 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns. The game was marred by 12 fumbles and 22 penalties. Minnesota's running backs, Marion Barber, Jr. and Garry White rushed for 162 and 103 yards, respectively.Illinois passes football; Minnesota passes Illini Jim Barnhart The Pantagraph November 2, 1980 B3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7365010/illinois_passes_football_minnesota/ Indiana On November 8, Minnesota defeated Indiana, 31–7, in Minneapolis. Indiana quarterback Tim Clifford was knocked out of the game in the first half by "a savage blindside tackle" by Jeff Schuh. Minnesota running back Garry White rushed for 145 yards and two touchdowns.I.U.'s forecast: cold December The Indianapolis Star November 9, 1980 4-1, 4-7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7318905/ius_forecast_cold_december/ Michigan State On November 15, Michigan State defeated Minnesota, 30–12, before a crowd of 30,329 in Minneapolis. Michigan State quarterback John Leister passed for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Minnesota quarterback Tim Salem completed only 5 of 15 passes, threw two interceptions, and fumbled twice.'Start season now,' say surging Spartans Lansing State Journal James Tinney November 16, 1980 C1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7317707/start_season_now_say_surging_spartans/ At Wisconsin Minnesota Golden Gophers 2; text-align:center collapsed Minnesota Golden Gophers (5–5) at Wisconsin Badgers (3–7) November 22, 1980 Minnesota 7 0 0 0 Wisconsin 6 0 6 13 Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wisconsin 54,229 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/11/22/Freshman-quarterback-Jess-Cole-making-only-his-second-start/3056343717200/ Wisconsin 25, Minnesota 7 November 22, 1980 UPI Archives December 18, 2022 On November 22, in the annual battle for Paul Bunyan' Axe, Wisconsin defeated Minnesota, 25–7, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison. Wisconsin quarterback, Jess Cole, in his second start, scored four touchdowns.Wisconsin 25, Minnesota 7 St. Louis Post-Dispatch November 23, 1980 5H https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7304717/wisconsin_25_minnesota_7/ Tim Salem was injured when he was tackled throwing a pass in the second quarter and did not return.https://www.upi.com/Archives/1980/11/22/Freshman-quarterback-Jess-Cole-making-only-his-second-start/3056343717200/ Wisconsin 25, Minnesota 7 November 22, 1980 UPI Archives December 18, 2022 MINN WISC collapsed 1 Wisconsin 29 RushTD Jess Cole 1 no good Mark Doran run/pass good/failed/incomplete 0 6 1 Minnesota 80 RushTD Tim Salem 1 good Jim Gallery run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 6 3 Wisconsin RushTD Jess Cole 52 pass failed 7 12 4 Wisconsin RushTD Jess Cole 1 pass incomplete 7 18 4 Wisconsin 39 RushTD Jess Cole 1 good Mark Doran run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 25 7 25 Roster 1980 Minnesota Golden Gophers y 41 Sr Marion Barber Jr. RB y 85 Fr Ken Hughes WR 65 So Bill Humphries G 1 Sr Kelvin Jenkins WR 79 Jr Wally Kersten T 2 Fr Jeff Kleinheinz QB 69 Sr Kent Penovich OT 10 Fr Tim Salem QB 81 Sr Randy Sonnenfeld TE 89 Jr Jim Fahnhorst LB y 75 Fr Jim Olsonoski DT 96 Sr Jeff Schuh DE y 59 So John Wood DE Jim Gallery K y https://web.archive.org/web/20170326151859/http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/m-footbl-mtt-80-81.html *Joe Salem References Minnesota Category:Minnesota Golden Gophers football seasons Minnesota Golden Gophers football