Let’s be real for a second. If you looked at the minnesota gophers football 2024 schedule back in August, you probably had some concerns. I know I did. Seeing names like Michigan, USC, and Penn State all lined up in a single season is enough to make any Gopher fan reach for the Tylenol.
But football is weird. It doesn't always go the way the "experts" on TV say it will.
The 2024 season wasn't just another year of "Rowing the Boat." It was a roller coaster. We saw a new quarterback take the reins, a freshman safety who looked like a future NFL Hall of Famer, and a defense that—honestly—kept this team alive when things got shaky. By the time the dust settled in Charlotte at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, the Gophers walked away with an 8-5 record.
That might not sound like a national championship, but when you look at how they got there, it's pretty impressive.
Breaking Down the Minnesota Gophers Football 2024 Schedule
The year started with a bit of a gut punch. Losing 19-17 to North Carolina at home wasn't exactly the "statement" win anyone wanted. It felt a little too much like the same old story. However, the schedule eased up just enough for them to find their rhythm.
They absolutely steamrolled Rhode Island (48-0) and Nevada (27-0). Those games were basically confidence boosters. We needed to see Max Brosmer settle in, and we needed to see Darius Taylor remind everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous backs in the Big Ten.
Then came the "meat" of the schedule.
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The Big Ten Gauntlet
If you’re a Gopher fan, the late September and early October stretch was stressful.
- Iowa (L, 31-14): This one hurt. Losing the Floyd of Rosedale at home is never fun. The second half was a disaster, and it felt like the season might be slipping away.
- Michigan (L, 27-24): This was the "almost" game. Playing the defending champs in the Big House is a tall order. The Gophers actually outscored them 21-6 in the fourth quarter. If there were five more minutes on that clock, I’m convinced Minnesota wins that game.
- USC (W, 24-17): This was the turning point. Bringing the Trojans into Huntington Bank Stadium and physically beating them? That’s peak Big Ten football. The field storming afterward was a vibe.
- UCLA (W, 21-17): A gritty road win in the Rose Bowl. It wasn't pretty, but it kept the momentum alive.
The Rise of Koi Perich
You can’t talk about the 2024 Gophers without talking about number 3. Koi Perich.
Honestly, it’s rare to see a true freshman impact a game like he did. He wasn't just playing; he was taking over. Five interceptions on the year. He was a finalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award for a reason.
Against USC, he was everywhere. Against UCLA, he sealed the game. He basically became the face of the defense by mid-October. It’s kinda crazy to think he’s only going to get better.
Offensive Identity and Max Brosmer
Coming from New Hampshire, Max Brosmer had a lot to prove. Could an FCS star handle the Big Ten?
The answer was a resounding "mostly yes." He finished the year with 2,685 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. He wasn't perfect, but he was a massive upgrade in terms of consistency. He had a connection with Daniel Jackson that was almost telepathic at times. Jackson finished his career in the top five for almost every receiving category in school history.
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The Late Season Drama
The minnesota gophers football 2024 schedule didn't let up toward the end. After a massive 48-23 blowout of Maryland and a tough road win at Illinois, the Gophers hit a bit of a wall.
They dropped a weird one to Rutgers (26-19) and lost a heartbreaker to Penn State (26-25). That Penn State game was brutal. Losing by one point to a top-five team is the kind of thing that keeps coaches awake at night.
Paul Bunyan’s Axe Stays in Minneapolis
Thankfully, the regular season ended on a high note. The Gophers went into Camp Randall on Black Friday and absolutely dismantled Wisconsin. 24-7.
There is nothing quite like watching the Gophers run across the field to grab that Axe in Madison. It was the third win over the Badgers in four years. For Coach P.J. Fleck, that’s the kind of stat that keeps the "Row the Boat" mantra alive and well in the Twin Cities.
Bowl Season Success
The season wrapped up in Charlotte for the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Virginia Tech.
The Gophers won 24-10. It was their eighth straight bowl victory, which is actually a Big Ten record. Say what you want about the Tier 2 bowl games, but winning is winning. Darius Taylor was the star, racking up 134 rushing yards and showing everyone that he’s the engine that makes this offense go.
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Final Thoughts on the 2024 Campaign
Looking back, the 2024 season was a success. An 8-5 record with wins over USC and Wisconsin? You take that every day of the week.
Sure, the losses to North Carolina and Rutgers feel like missed opportunities. If a couple of plays go differently, this is a 10-win team. But that's college football. It's messy, it's unpredictable, and it's usually decided by a few inches here and there.
Key Takeaways for Gopher Fans:
- The Defense is Elite: Ranking 9th in the country in points allowed (16.9 per game) is no joke.
- The Future is Koi: Having a superstar like Koi Perich in the secondary changes how you can play defense.
- The Trenches Matter: Aireontae Ersery winning Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year proves that Minnesota can still develop high-end NFL talent.
If you're looking for what to do next, keep an eye on the transfer portal. With Brosmer moving on, the Gophers are going to need a new trigger-man for 2025. You should also check out the highlights of the USC game again; it’s still the best atmosphere Huntington Bank Stadium has seen in years.
Stay tuned for the 2025 spring ball announcements, as that’s when we’ll see who’s stepping up to fill the holes left by departing seniors.