Five tough Metrodome losses

Last update: November 20, 2008 - 12:05 PM

FIVE GAMES TO FORGET

Oct. 10, 2003

The Gophers entered the Little Brown Jug game against Michigan with 6-0 record and No. 17 national ranking. The Gophers had a favorable schedule -- no games against Ohio State and Purdue -- and a victory over the No. 20 Wolverines would have put the Gophers in great contention for the Rose Bowl. Minnesota had a 28-7 lead in the fourth quarter. But the Wolverines scored 31 points to win 38-35 despite allowing 424 rushing yards -- the largest total ever given up by a Michigan team. The loss is the most devastating of Glen Mason's tenure.

Oct. 15, 2005

The Gophers, 5-1 and fresh off a victory at Michigan, led Wisconsin 34-24 late in the fourth quarter. The Badgers went 71 yards in 77 seconds to score a touchdown. They eked out a 38-34 victory when Gophers punter Justin Kucek dropped a snap, had his kick blocked and Wisconsin recovered in the end zone with 30 seconds remaining.

Nov. 1, 2008

Yes, subsequent losses showed Gophers fans got way too excited too early this season. But can you blame them? Fans who have endured the longest New Year's Day bowl drought in the conference saw their team start 7-1, climb to No. 20 nationally and possess a favorable schedule (no Penn State or Michigan State). But the dreams once again blew up when Northwestern's Brandon Smith returned an interception 48 yards with 12 seconds to play to give his team a 24-17 victory. Once again, it was "Wait 'till next year'' for Gophers fans.

Sept. 29, 2001

This one might have been the most bizarre of the Dome setbacks. The Gophers led Purdue 28-25 with 19 seconds remaining in the Big Ten opener. The Boilermakers took possession at their own 3-yard line with no timeouts. They completed two passes for 66 yards, then got a game-tying field goal from 48 yards out. The Boilermakers went on to a 35-28 overtime victory.

Oct. 28, 2000

The Gophers led Northwestern 35-14 late in the third quarter, only to see the Wildcats score 27 unanswered points. Northwestern's 41-35 victory came on a 45-yard Hail Mary pass on the game's final play. Northwestern went on to tie for the Big Ten title, while the Gophers finished 4-4 in the league after a 3-1 start.

DENNIS BRACKIN

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