University of Minnesota: The Golden Age Gophers
The Minnesota Golden Gophers represent a golden age of Midwestern football, a time when they stood as one of the most powerful and feared programs in the nation. Their history is defined by a dominant dynasty and some of the sport's most iconic rivalries.
Coach Bernie Bierman forged the program's greatest era in the 1930s and 40s. He built a dynasty on power and precision, leading the Golden Gophers to an incredible five national championships in eight seasons between 1934 and 1941.
The program's tradition of toughness began with the legendary Bronko Nagurski, and its championship era was capped when Bruce Smith captured the 1941 Heisman Trophy.
Minnesota's history also lives in its rivalries.
The Gophers play for the Little Brown Jug against Michigan, the oldest trophy in college football, as well as for Paul Bunyan's Axe and Floyd of Rosedale.
This dominant championship run gives the Gophers a rich and vital place in college football history. 🏈
