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Michael Rand started RandBall with hopes that he could keep lies from conquering the minds of the weak. So far, he's only succeeded in using the word "redacted" a lot. He welcomes suggestions, news tips, links of pure genius, and pictures of pets in Halloween costumes here, though he already knows he will regret that last part.

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TFD: Guest post -- Gophers fans in Vegas, part III: Fear and loathing in Sin City

Posted by: Michael Rand under Gophers Updated: August 31, 2012 - 5:52 PM

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Good seats available

We have the final installment of our Gophers fans in Vegas guest post series. This one comes from Brian Frederick (photo by Dave Handeland). Thanks to everyone for the contributions! Brian?

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My journey to Las Vegas to watch the Gophers face off against the Running Rebels of UNLV started off with great optimism and great spirit. The plane I was on was full of Gopher fans, which, since we were going to Vegas, is a good sign that most people were going for the game, along with the gambling, booze and whatever other extracurricular actives one might enjoy.

The excitement continued once we drove up to Sam Boyd Stadium (which is out in the middle of nowhere). Gopher fans were lined up in the parking lots. The alumni association had a large tent with well over 1,000 people in attendance.   We were all excited for another season of Golden Gopher football.
 
The fans continued to show great support for the team once we entered the stadium, and the players were on the same page. They were full emotion and energy. The survey among my cohorts is that of the 16,000 in attendance, at least 60 percent were Gophers fans. Not a bad showing for a team that “doesn’t travel well."
 
Even after an early interception lead to a UNLV field goal, the fans were really in the game. Chants of “Go Gophers Go” and “Let’s Go Gophers” rang out in Sam Boyd. We reached our pinnacle when James Gillum scored the Gophers’ only TD in regulation play. 
 
However, after many missed opportunities and long TV timeouts, the energy of the fans was running low. But our low energy was matched with the equally low energy of the UNLV faithful. When the Gophers took a 13-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter, the Rebel fans were making for their vehicles. Little did they know that overtime was on the horizon, even though the Gophers and Rebels tried to fumble the game away.
 
The long and excruciating game just wouldn’t end. The Gopher fans rose to the occasion and the voices and chants began again. Sure we took a couple quarters off, but we are only fans, and can we really influence the outcome of a game? The game was laughable, it was boring, and fun at times. In the end the Gophers won. But, if that is what winning is like … I’m going back to the tables and having a few beers.

older post

Gophers in Vegas guest post, part II: Taking over Sin City one game (and craps table) at a time

newer post

Tuesday (Your move, Ben Revere) edition: Wha' Happened?

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