Minnesota uses giant ‘Gopher’ to distract kickers

On the opening day of college football, Minnesota hosted No. 2 TCU. In case you were unaware, Minnesota’s mascot is the gopher. And in case you missed the game, Minnesota is still displaying a giant gopher lookalike — the “Dramatic Squirrel” — on the jumbotron to distract kickers.

The Gophers first employed this technique two years ago and last night, despite ultimately falling to the Horned Frogs 23-17, the gopher was able to distract the kicker at least once, holding TCU at 3-4 on field goals.

It’s early in the season, so perhaps the giant gopher is just getting warmed up and will be able to put up better numbers next week. Stay tuned.

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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports

Inconsistency sinks Michigan in 24-17 loss to Utah
Inconsistency sinks Michigan in 24-17 loss to Utah