Why Are They Called The Gophers?

Minnesota became the "Gopher State" in 1857 after a political cartoon, depicting nine Gophers with the heads of local politicians pulling a train, was printed. The story was over legislative action for a $5 million railroad proposal in western Minnesota.  The University liked it and adopted the nickname.

The Gophers play Missouri today at noon.  The game can be heard on our sister station 1340 KROC-AM.