Go Gophers. Return to 1940 when Heisman Trophy winner Bruce Smith was leading Minnesota to an undefeated season. Three footballs with the signatures of the team. One is an official Mahowald Stores balls with 56 signatures and with “U of M 1940 National and Conference Champions” burnt in. The second ball is also a Mahowald Sports ball has 54 signatures. The third is a Wilson official ball (Chas Backman model) with 34 signatures.