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.
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.The Coshocton, Ohio Tribune, Wednesday Evening, November 30, 1949, page 19.
Bud Grant, end, and John Lundin, guard, were awarded the Team MVP Awards.The Sheboygan (Wis.) Press, Monday, December 12, 1949, page 18.Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, December 12, 1949, page 6.
Total attendance for the season was 305,200, which averaged to 61,040. The season high for attendance was against Wisconsin.
Schedule
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, GBob Hefty, United Press, Logansport Pharos Tribune (Logansport, Indiana) September 15, 1949, page 16.
Cal Stoll, E
Russell James Reed, G
After the season The following Golden Gophers were selected in the 1950 NFL draft after the season. 14Clayton TonnemakerCenterGreen Bay Packers111Leo NomelliniDefensive tackleSan Francisco 49ers114Bud GrantEndPhiladelphia Eagles330Gordy SoltauEndGreen Bay Packers670Floyd JaszewskiTackleDetroit Lions896Ralph McAlisterBackDetroit Lions10121Bob MealeyTackleGreen Bay Packers14176Gene FritzTackleNew York Giants16199Frank KuzmaBackGreen Bay Packers19244Billy ByeBackChicago Bears25319Ken BeiersdorfBackNew York Giants29370Johnny LundinGuardWashington Redskins30388Allen MarkertTackleChicago Bears
References