Coached by Glen Mason, the Gophers played their home games at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as they had since Memorial Stadium closed after the 1981 season.
Mason was fired on December 31, 2006, two days after the Gophers' epic collapse in the last 20 minutes of the Insight Bowl against Texas Tech, which saw Minnesota blow a 38–7 lead to lose 44–41 in overtime.
The 2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team received votes in the Coaches' Poll.
Golden Gophers quarterback Bryan Cupito did manage to pass for 243 yards with a 64% completion percentage.
The Golden Gophers were led by Bryan Cupito, who had 8 completions on 10 attempts, with 148 yards passing and 4 touchdowns.
All-time record against Michigan: 24–68–3 Minnesota came into the oldest trophy game in college football with a rare opportunity.
The Golden Gophers did manage to not turn the ball over in the game, but they didn't force any turnovers either.
Converting third-down attempts also hurt the Golden Gophers, as Minnesota went 3 for 12 in 3rd down conversions.
All-time record against Penn State: 4–6–0 Minnesota had another trophy on the line, as the Golden Gophers and the Nittany Lions squared off in the Metrodome.
There were widespread rumors on the internet that the Big Ten apologized for the alleged blown call, but this was denied by the conference.
The highly ranked Badgers made quick work of the Golden Gophers, racing to a 28–3 lead by the half.
Golden Gopher running back Amir Pinnix added 113 yards offensively on the day.
The win kept the Golden Gophers bowl hopes alive going into their final regular season game.
The Hawkeyes were attempting to stop a losing skid, while the Gophers were looking to win their third straight game and to become bowl eligible.
In the first quarter, QB Bryan Cupito threw a two-yard pass to tight end Jack Simmons to give the Gophers a 7–0 lead.
In the 2nd half, Minnesota added to their lead with a 32-yard field goal by Joel Monroe to make it 38–7.
However, Texas Tech began their miracle comeback on the ensuing drive when Harrell hit Joel Filani on a 43-yard pass to cut the lead to 38–14.
To respond, Minnesota drove down to the Tech 31, however, coach Glen Mason decided to go for it on a 4th-and-seven from the 31, and Cupito was subsequently sacked.
Nine plays after the return, Shannon Woods scored on a 1-yard run to cut the lead to a mere field goal, 38–35.
From there, Tech kicker Alex Trlica nailed a 52-yard field goal, tying the game as time expired.
However, the Red Raiders would move downfield and they would cap off their comeback when Woods scored his third touchdown of the game from three yards out to give Tech a 44–41 victory.