You can own a replica copy of the Governor's Victory Bell!

short ornery norwegian

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OK - there is an article in The Athletic about the history of the Governor's Victory Bell trophy between MN and Penn State.

Short version (didn't know this) - when Penn State joined the B1G, their first official Conference game was against - the Gophers. So the Governors of MN and Penn decided to commemorate the event with a trophy, in hopes that the two schools would develop a rivalry. (Sept 4, 1993 - PSU won 38-20. for the record, Penn State leads MN 10-6 in the series.)

but now to the point - the article mentioned that fans can purchase replica copies of the Governor's Victory Bell Trophy. there is a company named Rivalry Trophy (on the webs at www.RivalryTrophy.com)

and yes, they manufacture and sell replicas of various sports trophies.

the Victory Bell replica is 14" tall and goes for $90.
the Floyd replica is 12" tall, 13" long and goes for $110.
the Axe replica is 13" long and goes for $75.
and the life-size replica of the Little Brown Jug goes for $175.

but - with the holidays coming up - they also sell Mini versions of each trophy. the Mini versions are about 3" long and can be used as desk displays or - Christmas Tree Ornaments! the Mini-Floyd is $20 and looks so cute on a tree. A great gift idea.

and one more fun fact - in 2013, the Gophers beat Penn State, and in the post-game celebration, Tommy Olson broke the Victory Bell Trophy. the Athletic article included video of this great moment in Gopher history. Apparently the trophy is not made of the sturdiest materials.
 

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Y'know, I'm not a fan of the Bell. I think there's little need for this game to have a trophy and it were up to me, it would be retired and displayed in the College Football Hall of Fame.*

The Bell could easily be replaced with the Chair, considering the Gophers have more game history with the Huskers and it's been a good series since Nebraska joined the Big Ten. With that said, I will say, the games between Minnesota and Penn State have actually been quite good.

They had their early success in the mid-90s and took out the Gophers with their ranked teams. Then we had our upset in 99 and went on a tear against them with another three wins as the ranked opponent.

They had their late 2000s resurgence and won a few more before the Gophers stabilized and took them down in 2013. Followed it up with a gritty overtime loss in 2016. Then the epic in 2019. There have been more memorable games with Penn State than some of the other longtime Big Ten members over the last couple decades.

*Side note, the Slab of Bacon should be put in the College Hall of Fame, too, though I doubt Wisconsin will ever do it.
 

OK - there is an article in The Athletic about the history of the Governor's Victory Bell trophy between MN and Penn State.

Short version (didn't know this) - when Penn State joined the B1G, their first official Conference game was against - the Gophers. So the Governors of MN and Penn decided to commemorate the event with a trophy, in hopes that the two schools would develop a rivalry. (Sept 4, 1993 - PSU won 38-20. for the record, Penn State leads MN 10-6 in the series.)

but now to the point - the article mentioned that fans can purchase replica copies of the Governor's Victory Bell Trophy. there is a company named Rivalry Trophy (on the webs at www.RivalryTrophy.com)

and yes, they manufacture and sell replicas of various sports trophies.

the Victory Bell replica is 14" tall and goes for $90.
the Floyd replica is 12" tall, 13" long and goes for $110.
the Axe replica is 13" long and goes for $75.
and the life-size replica of the Little Brown Jug goes for $175.

but - with the holidays coming up - they also sell Mini versions of each trophy. the Mini versions are about 3" long and can be used as desk displays or - Christmas Tree Ornaments! the Mini-Floyd is $20 and looks so cute on a tree. A great gift idea.

and one more fun fact - in 2013, the Gophers beat Penn State, and in the post-game celebration, Tommy Olson broke the Victory Bell Trophy. the Athletic article included video of this great moment in Gopher history. Apparently the trophy is not made of the sturdiest materials.
I have the Floyd - its dope.
 






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