1949 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team explained

Year:1949
Team:Minnesota Golden Gophers
Sport:football
Conference:Big Nine Conference
Short Conf:Big Nine
Aprank:8
Record:7–2
Conf Record:4–2
Head Coach:Bernie Bierman
Hc Year:15th
Mvp:Bud Grant, John Lundin
Captain:Howard Brennan, Clayton Tonnemaker
Stadium:Memorial Stadium

The 1949 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team represented the University of Minnesota in the 1949 Big Nine Conference football season. In their 15th year under head coach Bernie Bierman, the Golden Gophers compiled a 7–2 record and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 231 to 80.[1] Tackle Leo Nomellini was named an All-American by Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press (AP), Look Magazine, and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Center Clayton Tonnemaker was named an All-American by Walter Camp Football Foundation, AP, Collier's/Grantland Rice, Look Magazine, Football Writers Association of America and the AFCA. Nomellini, Tonnemaker and end Bud Grant were named All-Big Ten first team. Guard John Lundin was named All-Big Ten second team.[2]

Bud Grant, end, and John Lundin, guard, were awarded the Team MVP Awards.[3] [4]

Total attendance for the season was 305,200, which averaged to 61,040. The season high for attendance was against Wisconsin.

Rankings

See also: 1949 NCAA football rankings.

Roster

Dick Anonsen, QB

Jim Malosky, QB

Billy Bye, LHB

Dick Gregory, LHB

George Hudak, LHB

Ralph McAlister, RHB

Dale Warner, RHB

Dick Moy, RHB

Frank Kuzma, FB

Ken Beiersdorf, FB

Bud Grant, E

Gordy Soltau, E

Clayton Tonnemaker, C

Jerry Ekberg, T

Leo Nomellini, T/G

Gene Fritz, G

Johnny Lundin, G[5]

Cal Stoll, E

Russell James Reed, G

After the season

The following Golden Gophers were selected in the 1950 NFL draft after the season.[6]

14Clayton TonnemakerCenterGreen Bay Packers
111Leo NomelliniDefensive tackleSan Francisco 49ers
114Bud GrantEndPhiladelphia Eagles
330Gordy SoltauEndGreen Bay Packers
670Floyd JaszewskiTackleDetroit Lions
896Ralph McAlisterBackDetroit Lions
10121Bob MealeyTackleGreen Bay Packers
14176Gene FritzTackleNew York Giants
16199Frank KuzmaBackGreen Bay Packers
19244Billy ByeBackChicago Bears
25319Ken BeiersdorfBackNew York Giants
29370Johnny LundinGuardWashington Redskins
30388Allen MarkertTackleChicago Bears

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 1949 Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule and Results. Sports Reference LLC. SR/College Football. November 1, 2017.
  2. The Coshocton, Ohio Tribune, Wednesday Evening, November 30, 1949, page 19.
  3. The Sheboygan (Wis.) Press, Monday, December 12, 1949, page 18.
  4. Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, December 12, 1949, page 6.
  5. Bob Hefty, United Press, Logansport Pharos Tribune (Logansport, Indiana) September 15, 1949, page 16.
  6. Web site: 1950 NFL Draft Listing. Pro-Football Reference. February 24, 2024.