Tough to Swallow: Northern Illinois 34 Minnesota 23

The Minnesota Gophers lost their 3rd straight game at TCF Bank Stadium, this time to the hands of Northern Illinois. The final score read 34 to 23. Northern Illinois Running back Chad Spann rushed 15 times for 233 yards and 2 touchdowns, a career high. Quarterback Adam Weber threw for 373 yards in a losing effort. This game was won in the 4th quarter. With a 20-16 Huskies lead going into the 4th quarter, NIU scored 2 touchdowns to put the lead at 34-16. Minnesota was not able to recover.

Troy Stoudermire Suspended, Plans on Transferring

According to the Pioneer Press, junior wide receiver and kick returner Troy Stoudermire has been suspended indefinitely and plans to transfer to another school. Last season, Troy Stoudermire was the team’s kickoff returner and led the team with 1,376 all-purpose yards and ranked third in receptions (26). In three games this season, Troy Stoudermire ranked third on the team in receiving yards with 114, including a 49-yard touchdown. Stoudermire wouldn’t be eligible to play until the 2012 season, because of NCAA transfer rules.

USC 32, Minnesota 21

The Minnesota Gophers lost 32-21 to the USC Trojans on Saturday. After a Da'Jon McKnight 31 yard touchdown catch from Adam Weber in the 3rd quarter, the Minnesota Gophers had a 14-13 lead. That lead lasted 8 seconds. The USC Trojans took the next kickoff 97 yards to the house. Followed by two more touchdowns in the 4th quarter, Minnesota found themselves down 32-14. They scored a late touchdown but by then it was too late. The Minnesota Gophers fall to 1-2 on the season.

Can the Minnesota Gophers Pull it Off? Why Not?

USC is #18 in the AP Poll coming into this weekend. Since USC is on probation and can't make a bowl game, the players are primarily playing for pride and a chance to show themselves for the NFL. The Minnesota Gophers are 1-1 and are playing USC for the first time since 1968, when O.J. Simpson used to play for the Trojans. If Minnesota can pull off the upset, it will be the biggest victory for the program in quite sometime. They will have to stop quarterback Matt Barkley. He is a solid player and can find the open guy if the defense doesn't pressure him. USC has played in 2 close first games thus far - so Minnesota should use that for some inspiration. Go Gophers!

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This Saturday: USC Trojans vs. Minnesota Gophers

This Saturday, the USC Trojans will visit TCF Bank Stadium to take on the Minnesota Gophers. After a tragic loss to South Dakota, there is little room for error against the USC Trojans if the Minnesota Gophers want to win. Several changes must be made if Minnesota wants to pull off the miracle. However, this should be an exciting weekend for fans. A program like USC's caliber visiting Minnesota most likely would have never happened if not for the new stadium. It will be a cool sight to see the team from Southern California to play in Minneapolis. More on a preview later this week.

A New Low: Minnesota Gophers Lose 41-38 to South Dakota Coyotes

On Saturday afternoon, most Minnesota Gophers fans believed that South Dakota would be a tune-up game for USC this weekend. Think again. The South Dakota Coyotes defeated the Minnesota Gophers 41-38 in front of 50,000 fans at TCF Bank Stadium. The Coyotes put up nearly 500 yards of offense and the Minnesota defense had no answer. The Coyotes had lost the weekend before 38-7 against Central Florida. Coach Tim Brewster has to be feeling the hot seat after this loss. He has now lost to North Dakota State and South Dakota, not to mention he beat South Dakota State by a field goal last season. On comes USC this weekend.

Minnesota vs. South Dakota Preview

On Saturday, the Minnesota Gophers will take on the South Dakota Coyotes at TCF Bank Stadium for the home opener. Simply put, this is a game the Golden Gophers should win. The game starts at 11 AM Central Time to all the Gopher fans out there. South Dakota lost the first game of the season to the University of Central Florida 38-7 so they will be looking for their first win of the season. The Minnesota Gophers should be able to move the ball and light up the scoreboard. My prediction for the game: Minnesota 35, South Dakota 14. Go Gophers!

Minnesota Gophers Win 24-17 over Middle Tennessee State

The Minnesota Gophers defeated the Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders 24-17 in the season opener. It wasn't the most flawless game for the Gophers but they will definitely take the win in Murfreesboro. Fullback Jon Hoese scored all 3 touchdowns and recovered a pivotal kick return fumble. He nearly didn't make the trip as his did suffered a severe stroke. Congratulations to Hoese for the great game. Running back Duane Bennett ran 30 times for 187 yards and reminded me of the Laurence Maroney or Marion Barber days. The Gophers didn't turn the ball over and committed only 4 penalties. Adam Weber threw for 150 yards on 10 of 17 passing.