After Short Boycott, Gophers Focus on WSU in Holiday Bowl

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Minnesota Golden Gophers are as ready as they can be to play a bowl game they considered skipping just 10 days ago.

As 10-point underdogs, the Gophers will have their hands full against Luke Falk and Washington State (8-4) in the Holiday Bowl on Tuesday night.

The Golden Gophers (8-4) are trying to regroup after backing down from their threat to skip this game if 10 teammates suspended after a sexual assault investigation weren't reinstated. Their boycott lasted less than 36 hours, with university leadership never blinking.

The players backed down amid pressure from many who read details of the allegations.

Once they arrived in San Diego, the Golden Gophers tried to put that behind them and focus on playing in a bowl that has a tradition of wild finishes.