Minnesota Football: #TBT 2004 Tailgatin And Winnin At Colorado State

On September 8, 2004 Minnesota traveled to, and beat Colorado State. The #22 Gophers traveled to Fort Collins with familiar names Marion Barber, Lawrence Maroney, and Bryan Cupito.

Barber scores!

Below is part of Chip Scoggins recount of the game from the September 9,2004 Star Tribune.

The Gophers answered one question Saturday night. Now they face a potentially larger and more serious one.

A week after wallowing through a victory against a Division I-AA team, the 22nd-ranked Gophers played with more effort and a sharper focus in their 34-16 victory against Colorado State at Hughes Stadium.

Marion Barber III ran for 201 yards to lead the Gophers, but the victory didn't come without a price. Quarterback Bryan Cupito had to be helped off the field after a hit late in the third quarter. Cupito's head hit the ground hard as he was being tackled by Patrick Goodpaster.

Cupito, who was 12-for-21 passing for 144 yards and two touchdowns, staggered off the field and did not return. His status was not immediately known. He was replaced by junior college transfer Adam Ernst.

Cupito's injury and what it might mean in the short term cast a pall over an otherwise impressive performance. The Gophers were impressive on offense, rolling up 504 total yards, and the defense had four turnovers and a key fourth-down stop to end Colorado State's streak of 10 consecutive victories in home openers before a record crowd of 33,501.

The Gophers also extended their nonconference winning streak to 15.

The school record-tying streak is the longest current nonconference winning streak in the Big Ten - three ahead of Ohio State - and it should send the Gophers into conference play next week against Northwestern with a burst of momentum.

The Gophers improved to 3-0 for the third consecutive season while Colorado State fell to 0-3 for the first time since 1992.

Barber led the way with 201 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries. Laurence Maroney had 132 yards on 17 carries.

So that's the official stuff. Here is the fun stuff. The U of M was kind enough to share these awesome tailgate photos from the 2004 trip to Fort Collins. Looks like a great time. That giant inflatable Goldy is very FTW.

Cheer squad on the range!

Fans filling in.

Nice RV and inflatable Goldy.

Ski-U-Mah

I'm not sure this guy has made enough burgers.

Guy on the right is obviously my dude.