The 2024 Gophers football season promises to be an exciting and memorable one. The team will face a challenging schedule, featuring both conference and non-conference matchups. This informative article provides a comprehensive overview of the Gophers’ 2024 football schedule, highlighting key games and offering insights into the team’s prospects.

The Gophers will kick off their season with a home game against the North Dakota State Bison on August 31, 2024. This non-conference matchup will be a great opportunity for the Gophers to showcase their talent and set the tone for the rest of the season.

The Gophers will then embark on a rigorous Big Ten Conference schedule, facing off against some of the top teams in the nation. Notable conference games include a home matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 5, 2024, and a road game against the Michigan Wolverines on November 2, 2024.

Gophers Football Schedule 2024

Challenging and exciting matchups.

• Home opener vs North Dakota State
• Big Ten Conference battles
• Key rivalry games
• Road test at Michigan
• Pursuit of bowl eligibility

The Gophers aim to make a statement in the Big Ten and secure a bowl berth.

Home opener vs North Dakota State

The Gophers will kick off their 2024 season with a highly anticipated home game against the North Dakota State Bison on August 31, 2024. This non-conference matchup is sure to generate excitement among Gopher fans and provide a glimpse into the team’s potential for the upcoming season.

North Dakota State is a perennial powerhouse in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), having won nine national championships since 2011. The Bison are known for their physical and disciplined style of play, making them a formidable opponent for any team, regardless of division.

The Gophers will need to be at their best to overcome the challenge posed by North Dakota State. A strong defensive performance will be crucial, as the Bison boast a potent offense led by quarterback Trey Lance, who is projected to be a high NFL draft pick in 2024.

The home opener against North Dakota State is a significant opportunity for the Gophers to make a statement and set the tone for the rest of the season. A victory would boost the team’s confidence and provide momentum heading into their Big Ten Conference schedule.

The Gophers will be eager to avenge their 2023 loss to North Dakota State and kick off the 2024 season on a high note.

Big Ten Conference battles

The Gophers will face a challenging and exciting Big Ten Conference schedule in 2024, with matchups against some of the top teams in the nation.

• Ohio State Buckeyes (Home) – October 5, 2024

  The annual clash with the defending national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, is always a highlight of the Gophers’ schedule. The Buckeyes, led by Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback C.J. Stroud, will be a tough test for the Gophers, but a victory would be a major statement.

• Michigan Wolverines (Away) – November 2, 2024

  The Gophers will travel to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines in what is sure to be a hostile environment. The Wolverines, under the leadership of head coach Jim Harbaugh, are always a contender in the Big Ten and will be looking to avenge their loss to the Gophers in 2023.

• Wisconsin Badgers (Home) – November 9, 2024

  The Gophers will host their border rivals, the Wisconsin Badgers, in a battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The Badgers, known for their physical and run-heavy offense, are always a tough opponent, and the Gophers will need to be at their best to secure the Axe.

• Penn State Nittany Lions (Away) – November 23, 2024

  The Gophers will wrap up their regular season with a road trip to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. The Nittany Lions, led by head coach James Franklin, are a perennial contender in the Big Ten and will be looking to spoil the Gophers’ bowl hopes.

The Gophers will need to navigate this challenging Big Ten schedule if they want to achieve their goal of winning the conference championship and earning a berth in the College Football Playoff.

Key rivalry games

The Gophers will participate in several key rivalry games during the 2024 season, adding an extra layer of intensity and excitement to their schedule.

• North Dakota State Bison (Home) – August 31, 2024

  The Gophers and North Dakota State Bison have developed a heated rivalry in recent years, with the Bison winning the last two meetings. The Gophers will be looking to regain the upper hand in this non-conference matchup and start the season with a statement victory.

• Wisconsin Badgers (Home) – November 9, 2024

  The Gophers and Wisconsin Badgers have a long and storied rivalry, dating back to 1890. The annual battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe is one of the most intense rivalries in the Big Ten, and the Gophers will be determined to reclaim the Axe after losing it to the Badgers in 2023.

• Iowa Hawkeyes (Away) – November 16, 2024

  The Gophers and Iowa Hawkeyes have a border rivalry that has been played since 1891. The two teams have met 114 times, making it one of the most-played rivalries in college football. The Gophers will be looking to extend their recent dominance in the series, having won the last three meetings.

• Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Purdue Boilermakers

  The Gophers and Purdue Boilermakers have a rivalry that dates back to 1891. The two teams have met 59 times, with the Gophers holding a 32-23-4 advantage. The game is known as the Battle for the Hammer Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the game. The Gophers will be looking to win the Hammer Trophy for the second consecutive year in 2024.

These key rivalry games will be crucial for the Gophers in terms of both conference standings and national perception. Strong performances in these games could boost the team’s ranking and increase their chances of reaching a major bowl game.

Road test at Michigan

The Gophers’ toughest road test of the 2024 season will undoubtedly be their trip to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines on November 2, 2024. The Wolverines, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, are one of the top teams in the country and will be looking to avenge their loss to the Gophers in 2023.

Michigan Stadium, also known as “The Big House,” is one of the largest and most intimidating venues in college football, with a seating capacity of over 100,000. The Gophers will need to be at their best to overcome the hostile environment and pull off an upset victory.

The Wolverines boast a talented and experienced roster, led by quarterback Cade McNamara and running back Blake Corum. The Gophers’ defense will need to be stout in order to slow down Michigan’s high-powered offense.

A victory over Michigan would be a major statement for the Gophers and could significantly boost their chances of winning the Big Ten West division and reaching the conference championship game.

The Gophers will need to bring their “A” game and play mistake-free football if they want to come away with a victory in Ann Arbor.

Pursuit of bowl eligibility

One of the primary goals for the Gophers in 2024 will be to achieve bowl eligibility. The Gophers have not been to a bowl game since 2019, and they will be determined to end that drought this season.

• Six wins needed

  In order to become bowl eligible, the Gophers will need to win at least six games during the regular season. This may seem like a daunting task, but the Gophers have a favorable schedule in 2024, with several winnable games on their slate.

• Home field advantage

  The Gophers will have the advantage of playing seven games at home in 2024, including key conference matchups against the Ohio State Buckeyes and Wisconsin Badgers. A strong home record will be crucial for the Gophers’ bowl hopes.

• Non-conference schedule

  The Gophers’ non-conference schedule is relatively favorable in 2024, with games against North Dakota State, New Mexico State, and Colorado State. These games provide the Gophers with an opportunity to rack up some early wins and build momentum heading into the Big Ten season.
• Strong leadership

  The Gophers have a strong leadership core in place, led by head coach P.J. Fleck and quarterback Tanner Morgan. Fleck has a proven track record of success at Minnesota, and Morgan is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the Big Ten. This leadership will be essential in guiding the Gophers to a bowl game.

The Gophers have all the pieces in place to achieve bowl eligibility in 2024. With a favorable schedule, a strong home field advantage, and experienced leadership, the Gophers are poised to make a run at a bowl berth.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Gophers Football Schedule 2024:

Question 1: When is the Gophers’ home opener?
Answer 1: The Gophers’ home opener is on August 31, 2024, against the North Dakota State Bison.

Question 2: Where will the Gophers’ game against the Michigan Wolverines be played?
Answer 2: The Gophers’ game against the Michigan Wolverines will be played at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Question 3: How many conference games will the Gophers play in 2024?
Answer 3: The Gophers will play nine conference games in 2024, including home games against the Ohio State Buckeyes and Wisconsin Badgers.

Question 4: How many wins do the Gophers need to become bowl eligible?
Answer 4: The Gophers need to win at least six games during the regular season to become bowl eligible.

Question 5: Which non-conference teams will the Gophers play in 2024?
Answer 5: The Gophers will play three non-conference teams in 2024: North Dakota State, New Mexico State, and Colorado State.

Question 6: Who is the head coach of the Gophers football team?
Answer 6: P.J. Fleck is the head coach of the Gophers football team.

Question 7: Who is the starting quarterback for the Gophers?
Answer 7: Tanner Morgan is the starting quarterback for the Gophers.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the Gophers Football Schedule 2024. For more information, please visit the official Gophers football website.

In addition to the FAQ, here are some tips for Gophers fans attending games in 2024:

Tips

Here are some tips for Gophers fans attending games in 2024:

Tip 1: Purchase tickets in advance.
Gophers football games are popular, so it’s important to purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Gophers ticket office.

Tip 2: Arrive early.
To avoid long lines and traffic congestion, it’s a good idea to arrive at the stadium early. This will also give you time to explore the stadium and take in the pre-game atmosphere.

Tip 3: Dress in layers.
Minnesota weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers so you can adjust to the changing temperatures. Be sure to bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain.

Tip 4: Be respectful of other fans.
Gophers fans are known for their热情, but it’s important to be respectful of other fans, both home and away. Remember that we’re all there to enjoy the game and support our team.

These are just a few tips to help you make the most of your Gophers football experience in 2024. For more information, please visit the official Gophers football website.

In conclusion, the Gophers Football Schedule 2024 promises to be an exciting and memorable season. With a challenging schedule, key rivalry games, and the pursuit of bowl eligibility, the Gophers have the potential to make a statement in the Big Ten and beyond. Gopher fans should be sure to mark their calendars and plan to attend games in person to cheer on the team.

Conclusion

The Gophers Football Schedule 2024 promises to be an exciting and memorable season for fans of the team. With a challenging schedule that includes key rivalry games and the pursuit of bowl eligibility, the Gophers have the potential to make a statement in the Big Ten and beyond.

The season will kick off with a home game against the North Dakota State Bison, a perennial FCS powerhouse. The Gophers will then embark on a rigorous Big Ten schedule, facing off against some of the top teams in the nation, including the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, and Wisconsin Badgers. The Gophers will also have the opportunity to improve their bowl chances with winnable non-conference games against New Mexico State and Colorado State.

With a strong leadership core in place, led by head coach P.J. Fleck and quarterback Tanner Morgan, the Gophers have the talent and experience to achieve their goals in 2024. Gopher fans should be excited for the upcoming season and look forward to cheering on the team as they chase a bowl berth and compete for a Big Ten championship.

Whether you’re a lifelong Gopher fan or just getting to know the team, there’s no better way to experience the excitement of college football than by attending a game in person. So mark your calendars, purchase your tickets, and get ready to cheer on the Gophers in 2024!