Mike Sanford Jr. was first introduced to Mohamed Ibrahim through the Outback Bowl. Sanford would not be named Minnesota new offensive co-coordinator until two days after the bowl game, but he was watching from home, possibly scouting the offense he was about to inherit.
“I watched the Outback Bowl knowing there was a possibility that I’d be involved in this job search,” Sanford recalls. “To say that I became a Mo Ibrahim fan would be a huge understatement.”
Ibrahim rushed for 140 yards against Auburn on New Year’s Day and seemed to pick up right where he left off against Michigan in the Gophers’ season opener, matching that rushing total and scoring two touchdowns.