Ned’s First Trip to TCF Bank Stadium! [PICS & VIDEO]

My enthusiastic roommate who doesn't wake up at 3am was cool enough to take me to the Minnesota Golden Gopher's season opener on Thursday (8/30/18).

We didn't get into the game until halfway through the first quarter. The excitement was palpable with all of the students in full-on school spirit garb. After a slow start it was a downright slaughter, with the good guys winning 48-10.

Something that really stuck out was the mere existence - let alone the strength - of the Gopher's passing game. The starting QB is freshman walk-on Zack Annexstad, who completed 16 of 33 attempts for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Not bad, kid!

Star running back Rodney Smith finished with 24 rushes for 153 yards.

Head coach P.J. Fleck was fun to watch. He's very passionate, high energy, and absolutely let the officials have it a few times. If a player made a mistake, he'd address it with them right away...then kiss them on the helmet when he was done. Loved it!

TCF Bank Stadium itself was cool. Not a ton of variety when it came to food, but plenty of stands for hungry fans. The crowd was enthusiastic, especially the student section. Their energy was contagious!

Check out some pics from the game, with a brief video of the Gopher Pep Band after.