The 1985 season was the Golden Gophers' second and final season under head coach Lou Holtz. The Golden Gophers won seven games, six under Lou Holtz. The Gophers played in the 1985 Independence Bowl, but it was coached by John Gutekunst. The total attendance was 426,918, which averaged out to 60,985 per game. The season high for attendance was against rival Wisconsin.