Trophy makes rounds, beginning in Minnesota
One of the most famous trophies in college football could be making a stop near you during the 2017 season.
The Amway Coaches Poll Trophy will crisscross the country during the season. The trophy with its famous crystal football is awarded in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association every year to the winner of the College Football Playoff.
The kickoff of the tour starts Thursday in Minnesota. The trophy is being accompanied by USA TODAY Sports assistant managing editor Thomas O’Toole, who, as a side gig, also serves as a Dancing with the Stars analyst.
The Golden Gophers are hosting Buffalo in the home opener for new coach P.J. Fleck.
One day before the game, the trophy appeared at the Minneso- ta State Fair. Darrell Thompson, Minnesota’s all-time leading rusher and current radio analyst for the team’s broadcasts, will be on hand for an event at TCF Bank Stadium before the game.
“It’s a tremendous honor for myself and the state of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota football program,” Thompson said of hosting the trophy. “There’s kind of been a new, infused energy around the coach. It’s great to be recognized to have the trophy here for the opener.”
There will also be a stop Satur- day in Los Angeles for Southern California’s game against Western Michigan.
Former Trojans coach John Robinson, who won a national title at the school in 1978, will make two appearances with the trophy — Friday at an Amway Business Center event and Saturday before the game at the USC fan fest.
There are six other scheduled stops through October. More will be added in the weeks leading up to the announcement of the playoff pairings on Dec. 3.