College Football's Dynasties
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- Coach Bernie Bierman
- RB Bruce Smith
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Smith earned the respect and adoration of Gophers fans as much for his toughness as his incredible production. He often played through pain, thanks to a bum knee, and led Minnesota to consecutive undefeated, national championship seasons in 1940 and 1941. Smith built a reputation as a clutch player in 1940, scoring three game-winning touchdowns, including an 80-yard reverse to beat Michigan. He triggered Minnesota's single-wing offense in 1941 and became the first and only Gophers player to win the Heisman Trophy. Smith received the award two days after the Pearl Harbor attack and delivered one of the more memorable acceptance speeches in Heisman history.
-- Adam Rittenberg
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