Football enthusiasts, get ready for a thrilling season of Gopher football in 2024! The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are poised to make a strong run in the Big Ten Conference, and their schedule is packed with exciting matchups. From traditional rivalries to new challenges, the Gophers have a lot to prove in the upcoming campaign.
The 2024 season marks the 129th year of Gopher football, and the team will be led by head coach P.J. Fleck. Fleck has guided the Gophers to three consecutive bowl games, and he will be looking to build on that success in 2024. The Gophers will have a mix of experienced players and talented newcomers, and they will be eager to show the nation what they can do.
The Gophers will kick off their 2024 campaign with a non-conference game against the New Mexico State Aggies on August 31st at Huntington Bank Stadium. They will then hit the road for their first Big Ten matchup of the season, taking on the Purdue Boilermakers on September 7th. The Gophers will have a challenging start to their conference schedule, as they will face the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Penn State Nittany Lions in their first five games.
Gopher Football Schedule 2024
Packed with Excitement and Challenges
- Season Opener: New Mexico State
- Big Ten Matchups: Michigan, Ohio State
- Homecoming Game: Illinois
- Rivalry Renewed: Wisconsin
- Road Test: Nebraska
- Senior Day: Iowa
Don’t miss a moment of the Gophers’ journey to gridiron glory!
Season Opener: New Mexico State
The Gophers will kick off their 2024 campaign with a non-conference matchup against the New Mexico State Aggies on August 31st at Huntington Bank Stadium. This game marks the first meeting between the two programs, and it will be a great opportunity for the Gophers to set the tone for the season.
The Aggies, led by head coach Jerry Kill, finished the 2023 season with a record of 2-10. However, they return several key players, including quarterback Diego Pavia and running back Star Thomas. The Gophers’ defense will need to be prepared for a balanced offensive attack from New Mexico State.
On the other side of the ball, the Gophers will look to establish their own offensive rhythm early in the season. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis will be making his first career start for the Gophers, and he will have a talented group of receivers to work with, led by Chris Autman-Bell and Daniel Jackson.
The Gophers’ defense, led by coordinator Joe Rossi, will be looking to make a statement in the season opener. They will need to generate pressure on Pavia and force turnovers to help the Gophers secure a victory.
The season opener against New Mexico State is a great opportunity for the Gophers to start the season on a positive note. A win would give the team confidence heading into their tough Big Ten schedule.
Big Ten Matchups: Michigan, Ohio State
The Gophers will face two of the toughest challenges in the Big Ten when they take on the Michigan Wolverines and Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024. These games will be crucial in determining the Gophers’ chances of winning the Big Ten West Division.
The Michigan Wolverines, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, are coming off a College Football Playoff appearance in 2023. They have one of the most talented rosters in the country, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy and running back Blake Corum. The Gophers will need to be at their best to compete with Michigan.
The Ohio State Buckeyes, led by head coach Ryan Day, are another perennial powerhouse. They have won the Big Ten Championship four times in the past six years. The Buckeyes have a dynamic offense led by quarterback Kyle McCord and running back TreVeyon Henderson. The Gophers’ defense will need to be prepared for a high-scoring affair.
The Gophers will need to bring their A-game when they face Michigan and Ohio State in 2024. These games will be a true test of the team’sๅฎๅ and determination.
If the Gophers can pull off upsets against Michigan and Ohio State, they will be in a great position to win the Big Ten West Division and compete for a berth in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Homecoming Game: Illinois
The Gophers’ homecoming game in 2024 will be against the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 12th at Huntington Bank Stadium. This game is always a special event for the Gophers and their fans, and it will be a great opportunity to celebrate the university and the football program.
The Fighting Illini, led by head coach Bret Bielema, are coming off a successful 2023 season in which they finished with a record of 8-5 and earned a bowl berth. They have a talented roster led by quarterback Tommy DeVito and running back Chase Brown. The Gophers’ defense will need to be prepared for a balanced offensive attack from Illinois.
The Gophers will be looking to build on their momentum from the previous week’s game against Purdue when they take on the Fighting Illini. They will need to be sharp on both sides of the ball in order to secure a victory in front of their home crowd.
The homecoming game is always a festive occasion at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Gophers will be hoping to give their fans something to cheer about with aๅๅฉ over the Fighting Illini.
The homecoming game is a great opportunity for Gopher fans to come together and celebrate their team. It is also a chance for the players to show their appreciation for the support they receive from the community.
Rivalry Renewed: Wisconsin
The Gophers and Wisconsin Badgers have one of the most intense rivalries in the Big Ten Conference. The two teams have met 116 times since 1890, with Wisconsin holding a slight edge in the all-time series record (61-49-6).
-
The Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe:
The winner of the Gophers-Wisconsin game is awarded the Paul Bunyan’s Axe, a trophy that is symbolic of the rivalry between the two schools. The axe has been awarded to the winner of the game since 1948, and it is one of the most prized trophies in the Big Ten.
-
Recent Dominance by Wisconsin:
The Badgers have won the last six meetings between the two teams, including a 38-17 victory in 2023. The Gophers will be looking to break their losing streak against Wisconsin in 2024.
-
Key Matchup:
The key matchup in the Gophers-Wisconsin game is always the battle in the trenches. Both teams have strong offensive and defensive lines, and the team that can control the line of scrimmage will likely win the game.
-
Home-Field Advantage:
The Gophers will host the Badgers in 2024, which gives them a slight advantage. Huntington Bank Stadium is a tough place to play, and the Gophers will be looking to use their home-field advantage to their advantage.
The Gophers-Wisconsin game is always a must-see event for college football fans. The intensity of the rivalry and the stakes involved make it one of the most exciting games on the Big Ten schedule.
Road Test: Nebraska
The Gophers will face a tough road test on October 26th when they travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Cornhuskers are a traditional Big Ten power, and they will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season.
-
History of the Rivalry:
The Gophers and Cornhuskers have met 55 times since 1900, with Nebraska holding a 35-18-2 advantage in the all-time series. The two teams have played some memorable games over the years, including a 20-13 Nebraska victory in the 1994 Orange Bowl.
-
Recent Success for Nebraska:
Nebraska has won the last two meetings between the two teams, including a 30-23 victory in Minneapolis in 2023. The Cornhuskers will be looking to make it three in a row in 2024.
-
Key Matchup:
The key matchup in the Gophers-Nebraska game will be the battle in the trenches. Both teams have strong offensive and defensive lines, and the team that can control the line of scrimmage will likely win the game.
-
Road Challenge:
The Gophers will be facing a tough challenge in Lincoln. Memorial Stadium is one of the most hostile environments in college football, and the Cornhuskers will be looking to use their home-field advantage to their advantage.
The Gophers-Nebraska game is a great opportunity for the Gophers to prove themselves against a quality opponent on the road. A win in Lincoln would be a major statement for the Gophers and their program.
Senior Day: Iowa
The Gophers will close out their 2024 regular season with a home game against the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 23rd. This game will be Senior Day for the Gophers, and it will be a chance for the team to honor its graduating players.
The Hawkeyes, led by head coach Kirk Ferentz, are one of the most consistent programs in the Big Ten. They have won at least eight games in each of the past 10 seasons, and they are always a tough opponent.
The Gophers and Hawkeyes have played some close games in recent years. In 2023, the Gophers defeated Iowa 23-20 in overtime. The Hawkeyes will be looking for revenge in 2024.
The Senior Day game is always a special event for the Gophers and their fans. It is a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating players and to thank them for their contributions to the program.
The Gophers will be hoping to send their seniors out on a high note with a victory over the Hawkeyes. A win would also give the Gophers a chance to finish the regular season with a winning record.
FAQ
Have questions about the Gophers’ 2024 football schedule? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Question 1: When is the Gophers’ first game in 2024?
Answer 1: The Gophers’ first game in 2024 is on August 31st at Huntington Bank Stadium against the New Mexico State Aggies.
Question 2: When do the Gophers play Michigan and Ohio State in 2024?
Answer 2: The Gophers play Michigan on October 5th at Michigan Stadium and Ohio State on November 2nd at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Question 3: When is the Gophers’ homecoming game in 2024?
Answer 3: The Gophers’ homecoming game in 2024 is on October 12th against the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Question 4: When do the Gophers play Wisconsin in 2024?
Answer 4: The Gophers play Wisconsin on November 9th at Huntington Bank Stadium.
Question 5: When is the Gophers’ final game of the regular season in 2024?
Answer 5: The Gophers’ final game of the regular season in 2024 is on November 23rd at Huntington Bank Stadium against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about the Gophers’ 2024 football schedule?
Answer 6: You can find more information about the Gophers’ 2024 football schedule on the University of Minnesota Athletics website.
We hope this FAQ has answered your questions about the Gophers’ 2024 football schedule. Go Gophers!
For more information about the Gophers’ 2024 football schedule, including ticket information, game day activities, and more, please visit the University of Minnesota Athletics website.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the Gophers’ 2024 football season:
Tip 1: Buy your tickets early.
Tickets for Gophers football games tend to sell out quickly, so it is important to purchase your tickets as early as possible. You can purchase tickets online, over the phone, or at the Huntington Bank Stadium ticket office.
Tip 2: Arrive at the stadium early.
Traffic and parking can be a nightmare on game day, so it is best to arrive at the stadium early. This will give you plenty of time to find your seat and enjoy the pre-game festivities.
Tip 3: Dress in layers.
The weather in Minnesota can be unpredictable, so it is important to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the changing conditions. You may also want to bring a poncho or raincoat in case of rain.
Tip 4: Be respectful of other fans.
Gopher football games are a great place to let loose and have some fun, but it is important to be respectful of other fans. This means no fighting, no foul language, and no throwing objects.
We hope these tips help you have a great time at the Gophers’ 2024 football games. Go Gophers!
The Gophers’ 2024 football season is sure to be an exciting one. With a talented team and a challenging schedule, the Gophers have a chance to make a run at the Big Ten Championship. Be sure to follow the Gophers all season long and cheer them on to victory.
Conclusion
The Gophers’ 2024 football schedule is packed with exciting matchups, including non-conference games against New Mexico State and a challenging Big Ten schedule. The Gophers will have a chance to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country, including Michigan, Ohio State, and Wisconsin.
With a talented team and a supportive fan base, the Gophers have a chance to make a run at the Big Ten Championship in 2024. The season will culminate with Senior Day on November 23rd, when the Gophers will honor their graduating players and look to finish the season on a high note against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
We hope you will join us for the Gophers’ 2024 football season. It is sure to be a memorable one.
Go Gophers!