histThe University of Minnesota has announced the times for its first four football games of the 2004 season, three of which will be nationally televised by ESPN2. This marks the first time in school history that the Gophers will be on national television in three of their first four games.

The Gophers will open the season on Sept. 4 at the Metrodome against Toledo at 8 p.m., on ESPN2. Minnesota will host Illinois State the following week, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m., before traveling to Fort Collins, Colo., to face Colorado State on Sept. 18, at 9 p.m. (CDT), on ESPN2. The Gophers will open the Big Ten season against Northwestern on Sept. 25 at 8 p.m., at the Metrodome on ESPN2.

The seven remaining games on the Gophers' schedule will be announced by the Big Ten during the season, likely 12 days prior to the game date. Kickoff times for all Gopher football games are subject to change.

For more information on Gopher football or to purchase tickets for the upcoming season, log onto gophersports.com.

2004 Gopher Football Schedule Date Opponent Time TV Sept. 4 Toledo 8 p.m. ESPN2 Sept. 11 Illinois State 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at Colorado State 9 p.m. ESPN2 Sept. 25 Northwestern 8 p.m. ESPN2 Oct. 2 Penn State TBA Oct. 9 at Michigan TBA Oct. 16 at Michigan State TBA Oct. 23 Illinois TBA Oct. 30 at Indiana TBA Nov. 6 at Wisconsin TBA Nov. 13 Iowa TBA All times central