Minnesota has resorted to one of the Internet's funniest memes as a new way to distract kickers.
Introducing the dramatic gopher.
You’ve probably seen his videos on YouTube. It’s a gopher that turns quickly to the camera set to dramatic music. They are short but hilarious.
So, Minnesota decided to use a dramatic gopher video during last week’s game against Wisconsin to distract kicker Jack Russell. The plan half-worked as Russell missed a 38-yard attempt but made a 20-yarder.
A Minnesota spokesperson told BTN.com that the dramatic gopher video (it’s actually a chipmunk, but whatever) had been ready to go since the Big Ten opener against Iowa, but Saturday was the first time an opponent had tried a field goal facing the video board. The school plans to use it from here on out.
Thanks to Lost Letterman for the screengrab
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!Follow @YahooDrSaturday