Straight from the official game notes, here is what you need to know for this game one at Syracuse. Depth chart will be released tomorrow.
Date/Time: Saturday, September 5th @ 11:01 (CST)
Stadium: Carrier Dome
Capacity: 49,262
Surface: Field Turf
All-time Series: Tied 1-1
TV: ESPN2
Play-by-play: Pam Ward
Analyst: Ray Bentley
Radio: Gopher Sports Network (WCCO 830 AM)
Internet: Gold Zone Audio
Syracuse on the Net: Troy Nunes is an Absolut Magician
The last time these teams met: Minnesota won 35-33 on Sept 21, 1996. The game was highlighted by freshman, Tyrone Carter returning two fumbles for touchdowns in a span of 56 seconds. After a 12-0 Syracuse start the Gophers scored the next 29 points to jump to a 12-29 lead. Syracuse scored the next 21 points to take the lead back 33-29. Gopher's kicker, Adam Bailey knocked in two field goals, the second with just 42 seconds remaining to seal the Gopher victory.
Syracuse
- Syracuse head-coach Doug Marrone is in his first season with the Orange. He is a Syracuse alum and returns after serving as offensive coordinator for the New Orlean's Saints.
- .Syracuse will be quarterbacked by former Duke PG, Greg Paulus. Paulus is a Syracuse native and former high school All-American QB, but has not played competitive football since his high school days.
- Keep an eye on WR-Mike Williams who had 60 receptions as a sophomore in 2007 but had to sit out 2008.
- DT-Arthur Jones record 13 TFL's last season.
Minnesota
- Minnesota is opening the season against a BCS caliber opponent for the first time since 1994 when the Gopher's opened with Penn State.
- Of the current Big East member schools Minnesota has only faced Syracuse and Pittsburgh, all time.
- Gopher's associate head coach/defensive line coach, Tim Cross was an assistant at Syracuse in 2005-06.
- The average height and weight of the Gopher's starting offensive line is 6'4", 308 lbs.
Minnesota Record Watch
Career Passing Yards
- Bryan Cupito - 7,446
- Cory Sauter - 6,834
- Asad Abdul-Khaliq - 6,660
- Adam Weber - 5,656
Career Touchdown Passes
- Bryan Cupito - 55
- Asad Abdul-Khaliz - 55
- Cory Sauter -40
- Adam Weber - 39
Completion %
- Adam Weber - 59.7%
- Mark Carlson - 57.2%
Career Completions
- Cory Sauter - 539
- Adam Weber - 513
Career Receiving Yards
- Ron Johnson - 2,989
- Tutu Atwell - 2,640
- Ernie Wheelright - ,434
- Eric Decker - 2,361
Career Receptions
- Ron Johnson - 198
- Eric Decker - 177
Career Receiving TDs
- Ron Johnson - 31
- Ernie Wheelright - 26
- Eric Decker - 19