FCS schools are no cupcakes for Minnesota

By Jon Krawczynski

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Sept. 7 2012 12:05 a.m. MDT

FILE - This Aug. 30, 2012 file photo shows Minnesota's quarterback MarQueis Gray (5) looking for an open receiver during the first half of a college football game against UNLV at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. Minnesota coaches and players hailed Gray's improvement all summer long. But his debut against UNLV was a stinker.

David Becker, File, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

The "C'' in FCS doesn't stand for cupcake when the small schools come to play Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS — The "C'' in FCS doesn't stand for cupcake when the small schools come to play Minnesota.

The Golden Gophers host New Hampshire on Saturday, a team from the smaller Championship Subdivision formerly known as I-AA. Overconfidence shouldn't be an issue for Minnesota, which has lost to a team from the FCS three times in the last five years.

The Gophers lost to North Dakota State last year and again in 2007, and dropped a game against South Dakota in 2010. That's why coach Jerry Kill says his players can't afford to take the Wildcats for granted in their home opener.

New Hampshire has a history of success against the big boys as well. They've beaten teams from the football bowl subdivision five times since 2004.

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