2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team
Encyclopedia
The 2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota
in the college football
season of 2006-2007. Coached by Glen Mason
, the Gophers played their home games at the Metrodome
in Minneapolis
, Minnesota
, as they had since Memorial Stadium
closed after the 1981 season.
Mason was fired on December 31, 2006, two days after the Gophers' epic collapse in the last 20 minutes of the Insight Bowl
against Texas Tech
, which saw Minnesota blow a 38-7 lead to lose 44-41 in overtime. The Tech comeback was the biggest in NCAA Division I-A postseason history.
was the ninth season under head coach Glen Mason. He led the team to an 7-5 record and an appearance in the Music City Bowl
. The most notable game of the season came when Minnesota defeated Michigan
for the first time in 19 years to win the Little Brown Jug
.
: 1-0-0 (First Meeting)
This was the season opener for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. It was played on a Thursday in Kent, Ohio
in Dix Stadium
. The Golden Gophers were quite successful in the game, scoring on seven of their ten drives. The Golden Gophers dominated this game from the start of the game to the finish. Converted linebacker Alex Daniels rushed for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kent State additionally had six of their ten drives ended by turnovers. Minnesota averaged a starting position of their own 36 yard line, 16 yards better than the Golden Flashes. Interestingly, this game was a homecoming for Minnesota head coach Glen Mason
, whose first head coaching job was at Kent State.
Kent State is currently 6-5.
: 2-3-0
The Golden Gophers faced off against their first team from a BCS
since the 2000 season, and the first time the Minnesota Golden Gophers faced off against a team from the Pac-10 in the regular season since 1988. The Golden Gophers and Golden Bears remained close until the California scored twice in a three minute span in the second quarter. The Gophers did manage a field-goal to close the second half, but were unable to find the red-zone in the second half. Golden Gophers quarterback Bryan Cupito did manage to pass for 243 yards with a 64% completion percentage. However, he had two interceptions and no touchdowns. Dominic Jones did manage to score on a kick-off return.
California is currently 8-3.
: 1-0-0
The Golden Gophers had their highest scoring game since September 2003, as they dominated the Temple Owls. The Golden Gophers were led by Bryan Cupito, who had 8 completions on 10 attempts, with 148 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. Additionally, the Gopher rushing attack combined for 284 yards rushing. Temple only twice advanced into Minnesota's side of the field. Additionally, the starting position of the Owls was 29 yards worse than the Golden Gophers. The win was the Gophers' twelfth straight victory in a home opener.
Temple finished the 2006 season 1-11.
: 31-29-3
The Golden Gophers opened up the 2006 Big Ten season against Purdue. The Gophers had beat the Boilermakers in a double-overtime game the previous season. Amir Pinnix rushed for 183 yards on the day, but did not score once. Notably, the Gophers and Boilermakers had identical amounts of offensive output (421 yards). But the Golden Gophers turned the ball over twice, in comparison to no turnovers for the Boilermakers. Purdue was led by Curtis Painter who completed 67% of his passes for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. This game marked the first time the Gophers had lost their first Big Ten game of the season since 2002, when they lost to Purdue.
: 24-68-3
Minnesota came into the oldest trophy game in college football with a rare opportunity. The Gophers had not won two straight games against the University of Michigan since 1962 and 1963. Michigan came into the game highly ranked in both the AP and Coaches Polls. The Golden Gophers did manage to not turn the ball over in the game, but they didn't force any turnovers either. The Wolverines did rack up nearly 200 more yards of offense in the game. Bryan Cupito led the Gophers, passing for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was outdone, however, by Michigan's Chad Henne, who passed for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. Converting third-down attempts also hurt the Golden Gophers, as Minnesota went 3 for 12 in 3rd down conversions. In comparison, Michigan went 10 for 15.
: 4-6-0
Minnesota had another trophy on the line, as the Golden Gophers and the Nittany Lions squared off in the Metrodome. The two teams traded the lead back and forth until the game knotted at 21 all. The Golden Gophers had the first possession of over time, and scored, but missed the extra point. Penn State then had their opportunity. Controversy stuck as Penn State found themselves in a fourth and nine situation in overtime. The pass was incomplete, but the ruling on the field was defensive pass interference, giving Penn State a fresh set of downs. There were widespread rumors on the internet that the Big Ten apologized for the alleged blown call, but this was denied by the conference. Penn State went on to score and convert their extra point, winning by one point.
: 59-49-8
Minnesota had their third straight week playing for a rivalry trophy, as they faced off against heated rival, Wisconsin. The highly ranked Badgers made quick work of the Golden Gophers, racing to a 28-3 lead by the half. Amir Pinnix rushed for 97 yards on the day, but Golden Gopher quarterback Bryan Cupito had only 94 yards passing on 28 attempts. The Gophers had far more problems converting on third downs as well, converting 3 of 14 attempts, compared to Wisconsin's 6 of 10 ratio. The Badgers held onto Paul Bunyan's Axe for the third straight year.
: 7-0-0
Minnesota took a break from Big Ten play, hosting regional rival North Dakota State. The Bison outgained the Gophers in offensive yards by 140 yards. Each team missed two field goal tries in the game, North Dakota State missing a try as time expired. Bryan Cupito passed for 150 yards on 14 completions. Amir Pinnix racked up 97 yards and one touch down. Minnesota benefited on the from great punting, as Minnesota's Justin Kucek had six punts and averaged 47.6 yards per punt.
: 7-39-0
The Golden Gophers ran into the buzz saw that was the 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes, and came away dominated. The Gophers gave up over two hundred more yards than they gained on the day offensively. The Golden Gophers were led offensively by Byran Cupito who passed for 120 yards on 13 completions. Minnesota's Deon Hightower recorded 13 tackles on the day. The Gophers were 4 of 14 on third down, while the Buckeyes were 7 of 10.
: 36-25-3
The Golden Gophers went into Indiana, facing a stiff tasking, knowing they needed to win their final three games to become bowl eligible. Their first task was to beat Indiana for the second straight game. The Golden Gophers raced out to a 35 point lead half way into the second quarter on the way to a 63-26 route. Bryan Cupito went 22 of 33, and 378 yards with 4 touchdowns. Golden Gopher receivers Logan Payne and Ernie Wheelwright both eclipsed 100 yards receiving on the day. It was the most points scored since their season opening victory over Toledo in 2004.
: 16-25-0
In their final regular season road trip of the season, Minnesota traveled to East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State opened up a nine point lead in the first quarter. The Gophers scored the next 17 points on their way to victory. Bryan Cupito passed for 243 yards. Golden Gopher running back Amir Pinnix added 113 yards offensively on the day. The win kept the Golden Gophers bowl hopes alive going into their final regular season game.
: 59-39-2
The battle for Floyd of Rosedale
took place with two teams looking at two different goals. The Hawkeyes were attempting to stop a losing skid, while the Gophers were looking to win their third straight game and to become bowl eligible. Several offensive players on each side had big days. Iowa's Drew Tate passed for 354 yards, and Hawkeye running back Albert Young rushed for 133 yards. For the Golden Gophers, Bryan Cupito passed for 267 yards, while Minnesota running back Amir Pinnix rushed for 119 yards. Turnovers proved to be crucial on the day, as Minnesota had a plus four turnover ratio. The win gave Minnesota a 6-6 record and made them bowl eligible.
: 0-1-0
In the 2006 Insight Bowl, the Gophers would score early and often. In the first quarter, QB Bryan Cupito threw a two-yard pass to tight end Jack Simmons to give the Gophers a 7-0 lead. Texas Tech responded by driving within the Minnesota 10, Graham Harrell, the Tech QB, fumbled on a sack and Minnesota responded with their longest drive of the season.
The Gophers extended the lead on a 14-yard pass from Cupito to Ernie Wheelwright, which came off the a touchback by Tech, when it appeared they would score to trim the lead. Tech got on the board with 4:32 left in the first half when they scored on a 1-yard run by Shannon Woods However, the Gophers would score one more touchdown in the first half, off Cupito's third touchdown of the game, a 3-yard pass to Logan Payne with 32 seconds left in the first half. The Gophers led 35-7 at the half.
In the 2nd half, Minnesota added to their lead with a 32-yard field goal by Joel Monroe to make it 38-7. However, Texas Tech began their miracle comeback on the ensuing drive when Harrell hit Joel Filani on a 43-yard pass to cut the lead to 38-14.
To start the 4th quarter, Harrell hit Robert Johnson to cut the lead to 38-21. To respond, Minnesota drove down to the Tech 31, however, coach Glen Mason decided to go for it on a 4th-and-seven from the 31, and Cupito was subsequently sacked. Tech responded when Harrell ran a QB sneak to cut the score to 38-28. Minnesota then went 3-and-out, followed by a 40-yard punt return by Tech punt returner Danny Amendola
. Nine plays after the return, Shannon Woods scored on a 1-yard run to cut the lead to a mere field goal, 38-35. They subsequently failed on the onside kick, and Minnesota recovered. Despite having to use two timeouts, they forced another 3-and-out. However, the punt coupled with a false start left Tech at their own seven, forcing Tech to use their two-minute offense that got them down to the Minnesota 35. From there, Tech kicker Alex Trlica
nailed a 52-yard field goal, tying the game as time expired.
To start overtime, the Gophers kicked a 32-yard field goal to get the lead back at 41-38. However, the Red Raiders would move downfield and they would cap off their comeback when Woods scored his third touchdown of the game from three yards out to give Tech a 44-41 victory.
The Insight Bowl turned out to be coach Glen Mason's final game as head coach, as, two days after the collapse, athletic director Joel Maturi fired Mason citing that, had the collapse not happened, Mason would likely still have the job.
University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities is a public research university located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, United States. It is the oldest and largest part of the University of Minnesota system and has the fourth-largest main campus student body in the United States, with 52,557...
in the college football
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
season of 2006-2007. Coached by Glen Mason
Glen Mason
Glen O. Mason is an American football coach. Mason previously served as the head football coach at Kent State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Minnesota, compiling a career college football record of 123–121–1.-Playing career:Mason played college football at...
, the Gophers played their home games at the Metrodome
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
in Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
, Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
, as they had since Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium (University of Minnesota)
Memorial Stadium, also known as the "Brick House," was an outdoor athletic stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. It was the home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team for 58 seasons, from 1924 until 1981. Before moving to Memorial Stadium in 1924, the Gophers...
closed after the 1981 season.
Mason was fired on December 31, 2006, two days after the Gophers' epic collapse in the last 20 minutes of the Insight Bowl
2006 Insight Bowl
The 2006 Insight Bowl, a college football bowl game held on December 29 at Sun Devil Stadium on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, pitted the Texas Tech Red Raiders against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This game featured the biggest comeback in NCAA Division I FBS bowl history...
against Texas Tech
2006 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team
The 2006 Texas Tech Red Raiders football team represented Texas Tech University in the college football season of 2006–2007. The team was coached by Mike Leach. The Red Raiders played their home games at Jones SBC Stadium in Lubbock, Texas....
, which saw Minnesota blow a 38-7 lead to lose 44-41 in overtime. The Tech comeback was the biggest in NCAA Division I-A postseason history.
Previous season
20052005 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team
The 2005 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 2005 NCAA Division I-A football season. The team's head coach was Glen Mason. Minnesota played its home games at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota...
was the ninth season under head coach Glen Mason. He led the team to an 7-5 record and an appearance in the Music City Bowl
Music City Bowl
The Music City Bowl is a post-season American college football bowl game certified by the NCAA that has been played in Nashville, Tennessee, since 1998.-Site:The first Music City Bowl was played at Vanderbilt Stadium in 1998...
. The most notable game of the season came when Minnesota defeated Michigan
Michigan Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines comprise 27 varsity sports teams at the University of Michigan. These teams compete in the NCAA's Division I and in the Big Ten Conference in all sports except men's ice hockey which competes in the NCAA D1 Central Collegiate Hockey Association, and women's water polo, which...
for the first time in 19 years to win the Little Brown Jug
Little Brown Jug (football)
The Little Brown Jug is an earthenware jug that serves as a trophy awarded to the winner of the American college football rivalry game played annually by the Minnesota Golden Gophers football team of the university of Minnesota and the Michigan Wolverines football team of the University of Michigan...
.
Pre-season
The 2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team received votes in the Coaches' Poll.Schedule
Roster
| (as of 11/21/2006) | ||||||
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Fullbacks
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Centers
Offensive Guards
Offensive Tackles
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Line
Defensive Ends
|
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Strong Safeties
Free Safeties
Defensive Backs
|
Punters
Kickers
Long Snappers
|
|||
Kent State
All-time record against Kent StateKent State University
Kent State University is a public research university located in Kent, Ohio, United States. The university has eight campuses around the northeast Ohio region with the main campus in Kent being the largest...
: 1-0-0 (First Meeting)
This was the season opener for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. It was played on a Thursday in Kent, Ohio
Kent, Ohio
Kent is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the largest city in Portage County. It is located along the Cuyahoga River in Northeastern Ohio on the western edge of the county. The population was 27,906 at the 2000 United States Census and 28,904 in the 2010 Census...
in Dix Stadium
Dix Stadium
Dix Stadium is a stadium in Kent, Ohio, United States. It is primarily used for American football, and is the home field of the Kent State Golden Flashes football team. It lies at the far eastern end of the KSU campus along Summit Street, just east of State Route 261 and is the center piece of...
. The Golden Gophers were quite successful in the game, scoring on seven of their ten drives. The Golden Gophers dominated this game from the start of the game to the finish. Converted linebacker Alex Daniels rushed for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns. Kent State additionally had six of their ten drives ended by turnovers. Minnesota averaged a starting position of their own 36 yard line, 16 yards better than the Golden Flashes. Interestingly, this game was a homecoming for Minnesota head coach Glen Mason
Glen Mason
Glen O. Mason is an American football coach. Mason previously served as the head football coach at Kent State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Minnesota, compiling a career college football record of 123–121–1.-Playing career:Mason played college football at...
, whose first head coaching job was at Kent State.
Kent State is currently 6-5.
California
All-time record against CaliforniaUniversity of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley , is a teaching and research university established in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California, USA...
: 2-3-0
The Golden Gophers faced off against their first team from a BCS
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
since the 2000 season, and the first time the Minnesota Golden Gophers faced off against a team from the Pac-10 in the regular season since 1988. The Golden Gophers and Golden Bears remained close until the California scored twice in a three minute span in the second quarter. The Gophers did manage a field-goal to close the second half, but were unable to find the red-zone in the second half. Golden Gophers quarterback Bryan Cupito did manage to pass for 243 yards with a 64% completion percentage. However, he had two interceptions and no touchdowns. Dominic Jones did manage to score on a kick-off return.
California is currently 8-3.
Temple
All-time record against TempleTemple University
Temple University is a comprehensive public research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Originally founded in 1884 by Dr. Russell Conwell, Temple University is among the nation's largest providers of professional education and prepares the largest body of professional...
: 1-0-0
The Golden Gophers had their highest scoring game since September 2003, as they dominated the Temple Owls. The Golden Gophers were led by Bryan Cupito, who had 8 completions on 10 attempts, with 148 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. Additionally, the Gopher rushing attack combined for 284 yards rushing. Temple only twice advanced into Minnesota's side of the field. Additionally, the starting position of the Owls was 29 yards worse than the Golden Gophers. The win was the Gophers' twelfth straight victory in a home opener.
Temple finished the 2006 season 1-11.
Purdue
All-time record against PurduePurdue University
Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S., is the flagship university of the six-campus Purdue University system. Purdue was founded on May 6, 1869, as a land-grant university when the Indiana General Assembly, taking advantage of the Morrill Act, accepted a donation of land and...
: 31-29-3
The Golden Gophers opened up the 2006 Big Ten season against Purdue. The Gophers had beat the Boilermakers in a double-overtime game the previous season. Amir Pinnix rushed for 183 yards on the day, but did not score once. Notably, the Gophers and Boilermakers had identical amounts of offensive output (421 yards). But the Golden Gophers turned the ball over twice, in comparison to no turnovers for the Boilermakers. Purdue was led by Curtis Painter who completed 67% of his passes for 243 yards and 2 touchdowns. This game marked the first time the Gophers had lost their first Big Ten game of the season since 2002, when they lost to Purdue.
Michigan
All-time record against MichiganUniversity of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
: 24-68-3
Minnesota came into the oldest trophy game in college football with a rare opportunity. The Gophers had not won two straight games against the University of Michigan since 1962 and 1963. Michigan came into the game highly ranked in both the AP and Coaches Polls. The Golden Gophers did manage to not turn the ball over in the game, but they didn't force any turnovers either. The Wolverines did rack up nearly 200 more yards of offense in the game. Bryan Cupito led the Gophers, passing for 215 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was outdone, however, by Michigan's Chad Henne, who passed for 284 yards and 3 touchdowns. Converting third-down attempts also hurt the Golden Gophers, as Minnesota went 3 for 12 in 3rd down conversions. In comparison, Michigan went 10 for 15.
Penn State
All-time record against Penn StatePennsylvania State University
The Pennsylvania State University, commonly referred to as Penn State or PSU, is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1855, the university has a threefold mission of teaching, research, and public service...
: 4-6-0
Minnesota had another trophy on the line, as the Golden Gophers and the Nittany Lions squared off in the Metrodome. The two teams traded the lead back and forth until the game knotted at 21 all. The Golden Gophers had the first possession of over time, and scored, but missed the extra point. Penn State then had their opportunity. Controversy stuck as Penn State found themselves in a fourth and nine situation in overtime. The pass was incomplete, but the ruling on the field was defensive pass interference, giving Penn State a fresh set of downs. There were widespread rumors on the internet that the Big Ten apologized for the alleged blown call, but this was denied by the conference. Penn State went on to score and convert their extra point, winning by one point.
Wisconsin
All-time record against WisconsinUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
: 59-49-8
Minnesota had their third straight week playing for a rivalry trophy, as they faced off against heated rival, Wisconsin. The highly ranked Badgers made quick work of the Golden Gophers, racing to a 28-3 lead by the half. Amir Pinnix rushed for 97 yards on the day, but Golden Gopher quarterback Bryan Cupito had only 94 yards passing on 28 attempts. The Gophers had far more problems converting on third downs as well, converting 3 of 14 attempts, compared to Wisconsin's 6 of 10 ratio. The Badgers held onto Paul Bunyan's Axe for the third straight year.
North Dakota State
All-time record against North Dakota StateNorth Dakota State University
North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, more commonly known as North Dakota State University , is a public university in Fargo, North Dakota. NDSU has about 14,000 students and it is the largest university in North Dakota based on full time students and land size...
: 7-0-0
Minnesota took a break from Big Ten play, hosting regional rival North Dakota State. The Bison outgained the Gophers in offensive yards by 140 yards. Each team missed two field goal tries in the game, North Dakota State missing a try as time expired. Bryan Cupito passed for 150 yards on 14 completions. Amir Pinnix racked up 97 yards and one touch down. Minnesota benefited on the from great punting, as Minnesota's Justin Kucek had six punts and averaged 47.6 yards per punt.
Ohio State
All-time record against Ohio StateOhio State University
The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State, is a public research university located in Columbus, Ohio. It was originally founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and is currently the third largest university campus in the United States...
: 7-39-0
The Golden Gophers ran into the buzz saw that was the 2006 Ohio State Buckeyes, and came away dominated. The Gophers gave up over two hundred more yards than they gained on the day offensively. The Golden Gophers were led offensively by Byran Cupito who passed for 120 yards on 13 completions. Minnesota's Deon Hightower recorded 13 tackles on the day. The Gophers were 4 of 14 on third down, while the Buckeyes were 7 of 10.
Indiana
All-time record against IndianaIndiana University Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university located in Bloomington, Indiana, in the United States. IU Bloomington is the flagship campus of the Indiana University system. Being the flagship campus, IU Bloomington is often referred to simply as IU or Indiana...
: 36-25-3
The Golden Gophers went into Indiana, facing a stiff tasking, knowing they needed to win their final three games to become bowl eligible. Their first task was to beat Indiana for the second straight game. The Golden Gophers raced out to a 35 point lead half way into the second quarter on the way to a 63-26 route. Bryan Cupito went 22 of 33, and 378 yards with 4 touchdowns. Golden Gopher receivers Logan Payne and Ernie Wheelwright both eclipsed 100 yards receiving on the day. It was the most points scored since their season opening victory over Toledo in 2004.
Michigan State
All-time record against Michigan StateMichigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
: 16-25-0
In their final regular season road trip of the season, Minnesota traveled to East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State opened up a nine point lead in the first quarter. The Gophers scored the next 17 points on their way to victory. Bryan Cupito passed for 243 yards. Golden Gopher running back Amir Pinnix added 113 yards offensively on the day. The win kept the Golden Gophers bowl hopes alive going into their final regular season game.
Iowa
All-time record against IowaUniversity of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public state-supported research university located in Iowa City, Iowa, United States. It is the oldest public university in the state. The university is organized into eleven colleges granting undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees...
: 59-39-2
The battle for Floyd of Rosedale
Floyd of Rosedale
Floyd of Rosedale is the name of a bronze pig trophy that is awarded to the winner of the annual college football game between the Universities of Iowa and Minnesota...
took place with two teams looking at two different goals. The Hawkeyes were attempting to stop a losing skid, while the Gophers were looking to win their third straight game and to become bowl eligible. Several offensive players on each side had big days. Iowa's Drew Tate passed for 354 yards, and Hawkeye running back Albert Young rushed for 133 yards. For the Golden Gophers, Bryan Cupito passed for 267 yards, while Minnesota running back Amir Pinnix rushed for 119 yards. Turnovers proved to be crucial on the day, as Minnesota had a plus four turnover ratio. The win gave Minnesota a 6-6 record and made them bowl eligible.
Texas Tech
All-time record against Texas TechTexas Tech Red Raiders football
Texas Tech Red Raiders football program is a college football team that represents Texas Tech University . The team competes, as a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association...
: 0-1-0
In the 2006 Insight Bowl, the Gophers would score early and often. In the first quarter, QB Bryan Cupito threw a two-yard pass to tight end Jack Simmons to give the Gophers a 7-0 lead. Texas Tech responded by driving within the Minnesota 10, Graham Harrell, the Tech QB, fumbled on a sack and Minnesota responded with their longest drive of the season.
The Gophers extended the lead on a 14-yard pass from Cupito to Ernie Wheelwright, which came off the a touchback by Tech, when it appeared they would score to trim the lead. Tech got on the board with 4:32 left in the first half when they scored on a 1-yard run by Shannon Woods However, the Gophers would score one more touchdown in the first half, off Cupito's third touchdown of the game, a 3-yard pass to Logan Payne with 32 seconds left in the first half. The Gophers led 35-7 at the half.
In the 2nd half, Minnesota added to their lead with a 32-yard field goal by Joel Monroe to make it 38-7. However, Texas Tech began their miracle comeback on the ensuing drive when Harrell hit Joel Filani on a 43-yard pass to cut the lead to 38-14.
To start the 4th quarter, Harrell hit Robert Johnson to cut the lead to 38-21. To respond, Minnesota drove down to the Tech 31, however, coach Glen Mason decided to go for it on a 4th-and-seven from the 31, and Cupito was subsequently sacked. Tech responded when Harrell ran a QB sneak to cut the score to 38-28. Minnesota then went 3-and-out, followed by a 40-yard punt return by Tech punt returner Danny Amendola
Danny Amendola
Daniel Amendola is an American football wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
. Nine plays after the return, Shannon Woods scored on a 1-yard run to cut the lead to a mere field goal, 38-35. They subsequently failed on the onside kick, and Minnesota recovered. Despite having to use two timeouts, they forced another 3-and-out. However, the punt coupled with a false start left Tech at their own seven, forcing Tech to use their two-minute offense that got them down to the Minnesota 35. From there, Tech kicker Alex Trlica
Alex Trlica
Alex Trlica was a kicker for the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team.As of January 9, 2007, Trlica held the NCAA record for successful point after tries. During his college career, he made 233 consecutive PATs without a miss...
nailed a 52-yard field goal, tying the game as time expired.
To start overtime, the Gophers kicked a 32-yard field goal to get the lead back at 41-38. However, the Red Raiders would move downfield and they would cap off their comeback when Woods scored his third touchdown of the game from three yards out to give Tech a 44-41 victory.
The Insight Bowl turned out to be coach Glen Mason's final game as head coach, as, two days after the collapse, athletic director Joel Maturi fired Mason citing that, had the collapse not happened, Mason would likely still have the job.