2017 was the first time since 2006 that the Gophers have made it through an entire non-conference schedule without giving up 20+ points to any one team.
Since I was at the 2006 Cal Bear game in which Mason refused to play Pinnix, I know 2006 Wasn't true.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_California_Golden_Bears_football_team#Minnesota_Golden_Gophers
"Minnesota Golden Gophers[edit]
1 2 3 4 Total
Golden Gophers 7 10 0 0 17
Golden Bears 7 21 7 7 42
See also: 2006 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team
Cal got its first home game of the season on September 9 against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in front of a crowd of 55,035. The Gophers were 1–0 with their win against Kent State. Minnesota scored on its first drive, but the Bears bounced back with a touchdown in the first and second quarter to receivers Robert Jordan and DeSean Jackson, respectively. The Gophers' Dominic Jones responded with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown. Eventually California pulled ahead on two touchdowns by Jackson, and led 28–17 at the half, and with two more touchdowns in the third and fourth quarter on rushes by Marshawn Lynch, the Bears put the Gophers away 42–17.
Nate Longshore bounced back in a big way from his previous start, finishing 22 for 31 with 300 yards and 4 touchdowns. He later joked about how it felt good to finally play a fourth quarter.
Lynch finished with 139 yards and 2 touchdowns on 27 carries, while backup running back Justin Forsett gathered 77 rushing yards of his own. Receivers Lavelle Hawkins and DeSean Jackson both finished with over 100 yards, with Jackson gathering three touchdowns as well. Cal got 531 yards of offense in all, compared to Minnesota's 352. Minnesota quarterback Bryan Cupito was 21 for 33 with 243 yards and 2 interceptions, both picked by Cal cornerback Daymeion Hughes.
With this loss, the Golden Gophers lost their first non-conference game in 18 tries, the longest streak in the Big Ten.[6]
Cal rose in the polls one spot in the AP Poll to #21, and two spots in the Coaches Poll to #21, after this win.[7