The Gophers’ record setting bowl game melt-down against Texas Tech set off intense criticism. With a history of blowing big leads, Mason and his staff added to their reputation when Tech rallied from a 38-7 third quarter deficit, pulling off the biggest comeback in college football bowl history with a 44-41 victory.
Asked for a reaction by e-mail last Saturday (prior to Sunday’s new conference announcing Mason’s termination), Athletic director Joel Maturi replied, “I don’t think any of us have words to describe what happened or how we all feel.”
Stunned and angry were words that described the feelings of Gopher loyalists. An influential alumnus said it was the “worst” coaching job in University history. Another prominent alum called for Mason’s dismissal. Yet another fan and alum talked about discouraging future support for the new on-campus stadium.
Five fans watching the game at a home in Burnsville turned off the telecast after Tech sent the game into overtime with a 52 yard field goal. They refused to suffer anymore. “It’s tough being a Gopher fan,” one fan said as the group headed for a bar.
Among the questionable strategies by the Gophers was the consistent use of a three man defensive line in the fourth quarter that produced no pressure on the Tech quarterback. That strategy was totally ineffective late in the game as the Red Raiders scored every time they had the ball.
The game added to Mason’s resume of late game collapses that included puzzling home losses against Northwestern, Purdue, Michigan and Wisconsin. From a Gopher perspective, the embarrassment is certain to remain in the now if ESPN Classic replays the game multiple times.
KFAN’s Dan Barriero described the Insight Bowl collapse as “capturing the essence” of the Gopher program under Mason. He also said on his Sunday program the defeat is “the single most humiliating, stupefying, transcending, absurd, choking, pig like loss in the history of this program, or under Glen Mason.”
Criticism of Mason reached a high point in intensity earlier this season when the Gophers’ were 3-6, including an embarrassing loss to Wisconsin and awkward win against North Dakota State. After winning three straight games to qualify for a bowl game, the program had taken one huge step backward until Mason was fired.