Gophers officially headed back to Texas Bowl to face Syracuse
By Frank Bi
Sept 22, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive tackle Roland Johnson (92) sacks Syracuse Orange quarterback Ryan Nassib (12) for a seven yard loss in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
At least it’s not the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas anymore. Nevertheless, the Minnesota Gophers are returning to Houston for the second straight year, this time to face Syracuse in the bowl that has recently shortened its name to the Texas Bowl.
The second straight bowl game for Minnesota will be held at Reliant Stadium on Dec. 27, 2013 and will feature a 6-6 Syracuse squad and a 8-4 Minnesota team. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN.
Despite fans holding their breath for a Gator Bowl bid, Minnesota’s placement in the Texas Bowl comes as no surprise, although earlier in the week, it was suggested that Texas Tech would be the opponent. Syracuse only came into the picture this weekend.
The Orange will be the underdogs in the match up between the ACC and Big Ten conferences, but the last time these two teams faced off, Minnesota was the underdog. The Gophers, led by Max Shortell beat Syracuse at TCF Bank Stadium last September, 17-10, thanks to a solid pass defense and 231 yards through the air from Shortell. The win last season improved Minnesota’s record to 4-0 and put them in the AP Top 25 that week.