Recent content from Megan Ryan
After losing Axe, Gophers 'ready to move on' to Outback Bowl prep
P.J. Fleck gave the players this past week off to digest the season while the staff recruited before returning to practice Sunday.
After all that drama, it's back to Buckeyes vs. Badgers for Big Ten title
In a season of ups (Gophers, Indiana) and downs (Michigan State, Northwestern), Ohio State and Wisconsin stayed on course.
Building on success: Gophers evaluating roster with eyes on 2020
More expectation will fall on the Gophers next season as they return nine of 11 starters on offense. But graduation will sap the defense of six impact players. How are things shaping up?
Bateman named Big Ten Receiver of the Year; Johnson also first-team
Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson were honored Wednesday as first-team picks, along with Tanner Morgan and Rodney Smith as All-Big Ten Second Team picks.
Coaches pick Fleck as coach of the year; media chooses Buckeyes coach
The split decision didn't sound like it bothered Gophers coach P.J. Fleck, who said: "When it comes from your peers, it means a heck of a lot more."
For Gophers and fans, it's grief and then a bowl game
Gophers players and fans have a month to rinse the sour taste out of their mouths from Saturday's loss to Wisconsin. But there's still a payoff ahead for the 10-2 season.
Faalele's exit hurts Gophers' offensive line plan
P.J. Fleck said the team planned to use its heavy package that features all six O-linemen on the field at the same time, but that fizzled when 6-9, 400-pound Daniel Faalele left injured and did not return.
Lights of loyalty: Turmoil-tested Gophers take a bow before showdown with Badgers
Many who stayed through coaching changes and uncertainty will play their final game at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday, capping an unprecedented regular season with a chance at the Big Ten Championship Game.
'College GameDay' nod another sign that Gophers football has arrived
Minnesota will also be the fourth school this year making its debut on the popular TV show, which started in 1993.
'Near impossible to quit': Gophers' Brooks runs through hits — on and off the field
Gophers running back Shannon Brooks endured two major injuries, an arrest and his mother's death. The events nearly took him out of football but he is is ending his Gophers career with the best season in decades.
Gophers players, coaches prepare for a chilly Saturday against Badgers
Weather forecasts predict another couple inches of snow to accumulate in the Twin Cities throughout Friday and Saturday with highs in the 30s for the game.
First they reclaimed The Axe. Now Gophers want bigger prize by beating Badgers
Beating the Badgers for the first time in 14 years last season was a sea-change moment, but nothing like what will could place at TCF Bank Stadium on Saturday if Minnesota wins.
Gophers' O'Brien, a four-time cancer survivor, facing more surgery
Casey O'Brien, who made his college debut as a holder last month, announced that he has a spot in one of his lungs
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Two-of-a-kind receivers having one-of-a-kind season for Gophers
In Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman, the Gophers have two 1,000-yard receivers in the same season. And they're catching passes from a record-setting quarterback.
Overlooked no more: ESPN's 'College GameDay' coming to Minnesota
The Gophers and Badgers are 60-60-8 in their storied football rivalry for Paul Bunyan's Axe and next week they play for the Big Ten West title. There's added motivation, too: ESPN's 'College GameDay' is coming .
Quiet atmospehere at Northwestern a rarity for Gophers
Northwestern's Ryan Field, the smallest stadium in the Big Ten conference with a 47,000 capacity, managed an announced attendance of only 30,246 on Saturday.
Penn State still huge factor in final weeks of Big Ten football
Gophers fans anticipating a trip to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship Game might want to pay some attention to Saturday's Penn State-Ohio State game.
What if? One of these freshmen QBs will start if Tanner Morgan can't
One was a starter at Eden Prairie, the other made his prep debut in front of 10,000 fans in Texas. Either Cole Kramer and Jacob Clark will start at Northwestern if Tanner Morgan can't play.
Hit near end of Iowa game makes U's Morgan uncertain for Northwestern
Quarterback Tanner Morgan's availability on Saturday will depend on how quickly he proceeds through the steps in the concussion protocol the Gophers athletics department uses.
Gophers fall to No. 10 in College Football Playoff rankings after Iowa loss
Minnesota climbed to No. 8 last week but dropped after taking its first loss of the season.
Morgan's availability for Northwestern game still uncertain
The Gophers redshirt sophomore quarterback left Saturday's Iowa loss during the final series with a possible concussion.
Gophers' Fleck picks Wiley's spots carefully
Freshman running back Cam Wiley played his second game at Iowa as a kick returner and running back, and he might get only two more this season as coach P.J. Fleck tries to preserve a redshirt year for him.
Gophers will decide direction of season in next two weeks
"This season could go two ways," linebacker Thomas Barber said about Saturday's loss at Iowa. "We can end up losing the next two. Or having this be a wake-up call for us."
Gophers replay: Iowa 23, Gophers 19
The Gophers never could claw all the way back after falling behind 20-3 in the first half.
Iowa retains Floyd of Rosedale, ends Gophers' bid at perfection with 23-19 victory
The Hawkeyes scored touchdowns on their first three possessions, and the Gophers were unable to recover in losing to Iowa for the fifth year in a row.
With Curtis Dunlap Jr. out, Gophers offensive line depth gets tested vs. Iowa
Without their usual right guard, the Gophers gave up six sacks.
Success, with a twist: All about the hip mechanics for Gophers QB Morgan
Tanner Morgan's choreographed passing mechanics can be laughable, but the results are laudable
Bigger dream for Gophers fans: Rose Bowl or College Football Playoff?
It's a debate no one saw coming: As alluring as Pasadena is, it is not on the road to a national title. So what's a Gophers football fan to root for?
Always seeking the next big play: That's the Gophers offense
The sideline glances Gophers players give during games can be decoys, but one resulted in a changed call and huge play against Penn State.
Gophers at No. 8 after making biggest jump ever in playoff rankings
Beating Penn State helped the Gophers made the largest jump into the Top 10 of the College Football Playoff rankings in the six-year history of the poll.
After nearly leaving Gophers, Winfield reaping this season's rewards
Antoine Winfield Jr. has weathered allegations and injuries to become one of this season's big-time playmakers for the 9-0 Gophers.
Playing at Iowa always a challenge, and not just for the Gophers
As a player, as a new head coach and as Gophers coach, P.J. Fleck has lost at Iowa. Sometimes by just a touchdown. Sometimes by eight.
Fleck says his style isn't for everyone, but the results are unbeaten
Coach P.J. Fleck has his team on track for a Big Ten West title. His Gophers are 9-0, ranked seventh in the nation and have a two game lead going into the final three weeks of the regular season.
Sitting out Penn State game tough for Gophers' Martin to take
Gophers senior linebacker Kamal Martin wasn't able to play in the team's biggest game in decades Saturday
An oar to share: Fleck, Penn State's Franklin rivals on the field but friends otherwise
P.J. Fleck and James Franklin, linked by friendship and coaching philosophy, face the biggest matchup in the coaches' tenures.
Undefeated Gopher Gridders Look To Silence Lions' Roar
This story and others appear on a special "Peach" page in the sports section of Friday's Star Tribune. Pick up any edition of Friday's paper to check it out.
Will U Air It Out To Former Minneapolis North Gridder Tyler Johnson To Nip Nits?
The former Polar could play a major role for the Golden Gophers on Saturday.
Gophers fans show their colors with 8-0 start and big game Saturday
The excitement ahead of the Penn State game signals a significant transformation: The Gophers are relevant again in Minnesota.
Gophers coordinators first football loves were Nittany Lions, Steelers
"When I was growing up, I'm pretty sure I had Nittany Lion pajamas," Gophers' offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca said.
Fleck gets $33.25 million payday; Gophers get protection with huge first year buyout
If Gophers football coach P.J. Fleck leaves next year, he must repay the university $10 million. The contract is the largest financial commitment ever made to a coach by the University of Minnesota.
Gophers, Fleck nearing a contract extension
P.J. Fleck's current $3.6 million salary is 11th among the 14 coaches in the Big Ten, and he will be a hot commodity as jobs open up around the country.
Gophers special teams are still a work in progress
While the Gophers offense and defense have quickly rounded into form, special teams still struggle with the same inconsistencies and gaffes the main units seemed to have shaken after the nonconference season.
Fleck: Penn State battle 'one of the biggest games in Minnesota history'
Coach P.J. Fleck said he is trying not to overhype the game to his players, but a victory would give a strong start to a closing stretch featuring ranked opponents.
'College GameDay' shuns Gophers-Penn State matchup at U
The Saturday morning TV show announced that it would instead feature No. 1 LSU at No. 2 Alabama in a week, spurning the No. 13 Gophers vs. No. 5 Penn State.
Gophers' goal to contend in November looms as tough assignment
August through October featured a softer schedule for Gophers football and opponents with key injuries. That all changes, starting this week. Penn State is just the first in a torrent of trials.
Gophers football success will make Fleck hot option on coaching market
Gophers athletic director Mark Coyle acknowledged Thursday he has been discussing coach P.J. Fleck's future. But would a reworked contract be enough to keep him at Minnesota?
'Let's do this.' Fleck campaigning hard to bring ESPN's 'GameDay' here
Even if ESPN spurns the Gophers for the Penn State game in two weeks, there's a chance the Gophers could host "GameDay" when Wisconsin comes to town to battle for The Axe.
Big numbers accompany big Gophers win over Maryland to stay undefeated
Saturday's home victory, 52-10 over Maryland, included a career milestone for running back Rodney Smith.
Martin's replacement at linebacker plays well for Gophers
Mariano Sori-Marin made a team-high eight tackles, including a shared one for a loss.
Gophers hope Antoine shakes injury history against Maryland
Gophers sophomore safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has endured season-ending injuries against Maryland the past two seasons, including a torn foot ligament last year on the Terrapins' first drive.
Gophers trying reach rarified air of 8-0 vs. Maryland
The Gophers are on the verge of their first 8-0 record since the early 1940s with a relaxing bye week to prepare for a November of ranked opponents.
A 'GameDay' visit to Minneapolis next month? Not out of the question
ESPN's weekly "College GameDay" has never made an on-campus visit to Minnesota. Possible dates are Nov. 9 for Penn State or Nov. 30 for Wisconsin.
Gophers QB Morgan says knowing his flaws makes him better
"If you don't know your limitations, you're going to think you can do things you can't. And that's where you're going to get in trouble," quarterback Tanner Morgan said.
Fleck plays it by ear with trio of running backs
With three starting-caliber running backs in Rodney Smith, Mohamed Ibrahim and Shannon Brooks, Gophers coach P.J. Fleck aims to help his players establish a rhythm without overworking them.
Leading tackler Martin game-time decision; will Gophers be cautious?
While Kamal Martin's knee injury isn't as serious as first feared, coach P.J. Fleck will need to weight a number of factors about the linebacker's status for Saturday's game vs. Maryland.
Leading tackler Martin game-time decision when U plays Maryland
Linebacker Kamal Martin's knee injury against Rutgers doesn't seem as serious as initially feared. "He's still got a few more tests," coach P.J. Fleck of the former Burnsville star.
Two cheers: O'Brien makes emotional debut as Gophers roll Rutgers 42-7
Four-time cancer survivor Casey O'Brien made his first on-field appearance for the Gophers, who had little trouble Saturday moving to 7-0 and into first place in the Big Ten West.
Martin suffers lower leg injury in Gophers win, will have more tests
Kamal Martin buckled just before contact on a third-quarter play and needed help limping off the field in the Gophers' 42-7 victory at Rutgers on Saturday.
Gophers-Rutgers gameday preview
The Gophers are 28-point favorites in this game. They haven't had that big of an advantage since playing South Dakota State in 2010.
Beyond the stars: 6-0 Gophers getting big help throughout roster
Unheralded blockers and special teams performers might not get much credit from the average fan, but coaches and their teammates know and appreciate their efforts.
Undersized Renner is 'unsung hero' of Gophers defensive line
Sam Renner has risen from wait-listed walk-on to a starter on the defensive line who can handle a variety of tasks as needed by the Gophers.
Gophers tight ends are dinged up
That unit endured some problems last Saturday against Nebraska, when Jake Paulson and Ko Kieft left early because of injuries.
Position of strength: Fleck has nice problem on Gophers offensive line
The offensive line, which struggled early in the season, is coming off its two strongest games in which the Gophers scored 40 points against Purdue and 34 more vs. Nebraska.
Is it worth it? No. 20-ranked Gophers answer Fleck with 6-0 start
The Gophers are 6-0 and ranked 20th, their first AP ranking since 2014, and that makes the coach's question an easy one.
Gophers trample Nebraska 34-7 to remain undefeated at 6-0
Mohamed Ibrahim ran for three touchdowns, part of Minnesota's 322 rushing yards against the injury-riddled Cornhuskers.
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Gophers face another backup quarterback
The Gophers have yet to face an established quarterback for an entire game. Against the Cornhuskers, they matched up with Noah Vedral, who started in place of injured Adrian Martinez.
Gophers land hidden Canadian gem in Michigan transfer St-Juste
Québécois cornerback Benjamin St-Juste found his way to the Gophers via Big Ten rival Wolverines
Still running: Gophers' Smith, Brooks show the kids how it's done
The best may be yet to come for Gophers redshirt seniors Shannon Brooks and Rodney Smith, who have been with each other on the college journey.
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Gophers prepare for chilly, wet game against Cornhuskers on Saturday
"We love it when it's cold," quarterback Tanner Morgan said.
Gophers defense goes into Nebraska game with budding confidence
Last week the Gophers held Illinois to just 91 rushing yards and 248 total yards of offense.
Nebraska joins list of Gophers opponents with QB injury situations
Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez is questionable for Saturday's game at TCF Bank Stadium.
Gophers are 5-0 but not projecting too far ahead on the schedule
It's the first time since 2004 the Gophers have started a season with five wins. And that streak could grow with a favorable schedule ahead.
Ibrahim sits out again in Gophers' victory over Illini
For the third consecutive game, Gophers sophomore running back Mohamed Ibrahim warmed up in full pads, only to not play.
