Minnesota Golden Gophers football under Wes Fesler

The Minnesota Golden Gophers were coached by Wes Fesler for three seasons from 1951 to 1953. In those three seasons, the Gophers won 10 games, lost 13 and tied four. In the Big Ten, they won seven games, lost eight and tied four. Paul Giel was named an All-American twice, the only player award All-American under Fesler. Two of Minnesota's five Chicago Tribune Silver Football awards were given under Fesler (both to Giel). Four players were named All-Big Ten first team.

1951
The 1951 season was the Golden Gophers' first under head coach Wes Fesler. The Golden Gophers won two games, lost six and tied one. Total attendance for the season was 255,851, which averaged to 51,170. The season high for attendance was against Nebraska.

No Golden Gophers players were named any major awards, All-American, Academic All-American, All-Big Ten or Academic All-Big Ten. It was the last season that no Golden Gopher players achieved any of the awards.

Halfback Ron Engel was awarded the Team MVP Award.

1952
The 1952 season was the Golden Gophers' second under head coach Wes Fesler. The Golden Gophers won four games, lost three and tied two. Total attendance for the season was 270,292, which averaged to 54,058. The season high for attendance was against rival Iowa.

Halfback Paul Giel was named an All-American by the Associated Press, FWAA and Look Magazine. Giel received Chicago Tribune Silver Football, awarded to the most valuable player of the Big Ten. Giel, running back Bob MacNamara and guard Percy Zachary were named All-Big Ten first team. Giel finished third in voting for the Heisman Trophy.

Paul Giel was awarded the Team MVP Award.

1953
The 1953 season was the Golden Gophers' third and final under head coach Wes Fesler. The Golden Gophers won four games, lost four and tied one. Total attendance for the season was 293,313, which averaged to 58,662. The season high for attendance was against Michigan.

Halfback Paul Giel was named an All-American by the Associated Press, FWAA, Look Magazine, Walter Camp Football Foundation and American Football Coaches Association. Giel received Chicago Tribune Silver Football, awarded to the most valuable player of the Big Ten. Giel was named All-Big Ten first team. Giel finished second in voting for the Heisman Trophy, receiving the most points for a player not to win the award.

Paul Giel was awarded the Team MVP Award.