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RE: Gopher Football - 11/24/2008 9:53:31 AM

Matt Dahl

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Is there any way the 2008 Gophers aren't the worst bowl team in college football history? If we could arrange a bowl game for the Gophers to face UM-Duluth, I'd make UMD the favorite on a neutral field. I hate to think of how embarrassing a bowl game against a Big 12, SEC or ACC bottom-dweller is going to play out.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/24/2008 10:02:28 AM

Jim Frenette

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Matt Dahl

Is there any way the 2008 Gophers aren't the worst bowl team in college football history? If we could arrange a bowl game for the Gophers to face UM-Duluth, I'd make UMD the favorite on a neutral field. I hate to think of how embarrassing a bowl game against a Big 12, SEC or ACC bottom-dweller is going to play out.

Notre Dame became bowl eligible a week ago and then lost to a team with only 1 win Saturday. They are a worse bowl team

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/24/2008 10:24:53 AM

Lynn G.

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I must be easily pleased or something, but after last year's results, I've been enjoying this season.

That's not to say that I wouldn't have wanted more wins, and specific ones at that - but dang you have to be pretty grim not to have enjoyed the way the team came back from the dead this year.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/24/2008 10:25:39 AM

Lynn G.

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I'd put the Badgers in the "lousy bowl teams" category too.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/24/2008 1:02:23 PM

So.Mn.Fan

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

I must be easily pleased or something, but after last year's results, I've been enjoying this season.

That's not to say that I wouldn't have wanted more wins, and specific ones at that - but dang you have to be pretty grim not to have enjoyed the way the team came back from the dead this year.

You amaze me Lynn.
55-0
That takes every ounce of improvement we showed early and grinds it into dust, for me.
55-0
Not to the #1 team in the country, but to a rival you should always be "up" for.
55-0
Nothing explains that away. Nothing.

Post #: 705

RE: Gopher Football - 11/24/2008 2:28:21 PM

Lynn G.

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I know. I'm really weird.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/24/2008 6:23:06 PM

So.Mn.Fan

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Hey, I didn't mean that (weird)
I'm honestly impressed you can stay positive.
Never expected such a complete and utter collapse.
I believe we're better. But not nearly as much as I was hoping.

Post #: 707

RE: Gopher Football - 11/24/2008 10:12:33 PM

Lynn G.

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No seriously - I'm really weird.

Ask anyone.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/25/2008 3:38:13 AM

DMueller

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I didn't see the game Saturday as we don't have the BTN on cable, which is probably a good thing. I'm not as down on this team as I was a few weeks ago, mainly because of the obligatory negative commentary Dan Barreiro had on his "blog" (you know, the same one he has written for 15 years after the gophers lose badly). I really hate that bald, ugly, pompous, petty, egotistical windbag. Funny how he doesn't let people comment anymore. I felt sorry for the guys and took a step back and tried to search out some positivity, both in print and just by reflecting on the situation.

Tim Davis, the guy they are looking at for the O-line coach sounds great, currently is the University of Alabama director of player personnel:

Davis, a Castro Valley, Calif., native, coached offensive lines for the Miami Dolphins (2005-06), University of Southern California (2002-04) and University of Wisconsin (1997-2001).

Not too shabby of a resume!

When I went to the U, Jim Wacker was coach. On occasion I would run into a football player or two either at a party or bar or in class. I even worked with a former football player for a few years. I always got the impression that they knew they were going to get killed by the likes of OSU and Michigan, and they really just didn't have the confidence going into those games and you could tell by watching. I even remember reading articles in the Daily to that efffect. People thought Wacker was a great guy, but I never bought into that. He was a fraud who stole money and he made life sucky to be a football player and fan. I had serious concerns that Brewster was just another guy like Wacker BSing his way into a stealing money from the U.

The reason I'm not so down on 55-0, and the reason I don't think Brewster is Wacker 2 is that I think Brewster can recruit, and he's been around winning programs enough to know that you need good players and coaches above all else and I think he legitimately can get that done.

The gophers are very young. We need to remember that these kids are 18-20 years old, for the most part. The Michigan game proved that they still had a long ways to go talent-wise. The NW and Wisky games showed that Brewster has a long way to go himself as a coach. By the time the Iowa game kicked off they had nothing left, physically or emotionally. Weber has been getting killed, his confidence had to be shattered after the NW game. The O-line is extremely young and was evidently manhandled. The defense, while taking a major step forward for the first time in decades, was worn out since the O couldn't keep the ball at all. They ran into a buzzsaw. It happens. You get a bunch of young kids who were expected to do nothing and elevate them to top-25 status, and then NW and Wisky happens and all the confidence is gone. I understand. Barreiro does not. I am a fan. He is an A-hole.

These past two years are throwaway years as far as I'm concerned. Next year will be very telling. The key is getting solid play from the QB. I still don't expect a title or anything, but it would be awesome to see some of the young guys or freshmen like Gray to emerge as stars. I don't know if Weber is the guy to run the spread, but he's only a Sophomore and the line was pretty shaky. If Gray is a stud, let him at least share PT next year. (Ricky Foggie, anyone?) I am confident that at the very least, these guys won't be intimidated like Wacker made those kids feel years ago.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/26/2008 3:05:45 PM

Karl H

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DMueller

I agree with pretty much everything you stated above. Here's my $0.02...

I didn't see the game Saturday as we don't have the BTN on cable, which is probably a good thing. I'm not as down on this team as I was a few weeks ago, mainly because of the obligatory negative commentary Dan Barreiro had on his "blog" (you know, the same one he has written for 15 years after the gophers lose badly). I really hate that bald, ugly, pompous, petty, egotistical windbag. Funny how he doesn't let people comment anymore. I felt sorry for the guys and took a step back and tried to search out some positivity, both in print and just by reflecting on the situation.

I get tired of the negativity here, and especially from folks like Barreiro (other KFAN guys too). But I certainly understand the frustration. A 55-0 loss to a border rival sucks, a 2nd half collapse & loss to another border rival sucks. Throw in a 20 plus point loss to a very down Michigan team and you hit the low lights this year. OTOH, I'll give Iowa a lot of credit. They came in, played well, and kicked our butt. Wisconsin? We won the first half and they won the second by even more. The Northwestern loss doesn't bother me very much. Two even teams that could have gone either way. I think they are sitting at 9-3 right now.

Tim Davis, the guy they are looking at for the O-line coach sounds great, currently is the University of Alabama director of player personnel

Lets hope he can improve this group. Earlier in the year, I thought WR was our #1 priority going forward. Now I think it's the OL first, finding a pass rusher to replace WVS second, and WR's #3.

The reason I'm not so down on 55-0, and the reason I don't think Brewster is Wacker 2 is that I think Brewster can recruit, and he's been around winning programs enough to know that you need good players and coaches above all else and I think he legitimately can get that done.

Preaching to the choir brother! Here's for anyone doubting Brewster's recruiting talent. I took a quick look at the past recruiting of Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin from 2004 through 2009. The 2004 recruits would be current Seniors who have redshirted and 2009 recruits are kids currently in high school. These stats are from Scout.com:

From years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 combined:

5 star recruits:
-----------------
0 = Minnesota
3 = Iowa
2 = Wisc

4 star recruits:
-----------------
2 = Minnesota
17 = Iowa
6 = Wisc

3 star recruits:
-----------------
21 = Minnesota
28 = Iowa
37 = Wisc

Total 3 or more stars in that time period:
------------------------------------------
23 = Minnesota
48 = Iowa
45 = Wisc

Those two schools out recruited us big time in those years. 2007 was Brew's first class. It was not great (probably because of his late start), but it was our best class and closed the gap a little.

Now go to 2008 & the in progress 2009 class combined:

5 star recruits:
-----------------
1 = Minnesota
0 = Iowa
0 = Wisc

4 star recruits:
-----------------
8 = Minnesota
2 = Iowa
2 = Wisc

3 star recruits:
-----------------
19 = Minnesota
14 = Iowa
25 = Wisc

Total 3 or more stars in 2008 + so far in 2009:
-----------------------------------------------
28 = Minnesota
16 = Iowa
27 = Wisc

Now recruiting isn't everything and "stars" are hardly a given....but there's no denying it makes a difference. Teams like USC, Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio State, Florida don't win with a lot of walk ons. They usually have top recruiting classes.

The gophers are very young. We need to remember that these kids are 18-20 years old, for the most part.

Yeah, there's some youth for sure, but the defense typically starts 2 Seniors and 8 Juniors. Thats 10 out of 11 upperclassmen starting. I'm satified this year, but next year is a big year. I expect more, especially looking for improvment in the second half of the year.

....I understand. Barreiro does not. I am a fan. He is an A-hole.

LOL

These past two years are throwaway years as far as I'm concerned. Next year will be very telling.

Agreed! And 3 or 4 years later should be really interesting.

Post #: 710

RE: Gopher Football - 11/26/2008 6:09:59 PM

So.Mn.Fan

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I get tired of the negativity here,

I get it.
I'll just end by reminding all of you that I was one of the only posters in here thumping his gold and maroon chest when Brewster was hired. I bought in to Gopher football, like I have for 45+ years.
I rode the 3 hours one-way to games in the old Memorial bowl a couple times a year when I was a kid. Sat in 6-8 inches of wet sloppy snow and cheered them on no matter how good they were or how bad they were. I cried when we blew big games and I cried when we shocked the nation. Mark Carlson and the 16-0 win over #1 Michigan is clear as a bell to me. (30 years ago) Rickey Foggie and Ricky Upchurch. Tony Dungy. Mike Hohensee. The Fahnhorsts. Kitzmann. Loved 'em all.
Tired of getting my heart broken, is all. Want to stand alone on top once before I die. So sue me.
Screw the "too much competition", "will never be able to compete", "history of losing" people.
Bullshit. Get it done. Keep your studs in-state, build the bulk of your squad with guys who want to show other schools what they passed up on. Play with a chip on your shoulder.
The U is a fantastic school. It always has been, my entire life. A first-class institution. It has as much to offer as any school in the country imo. It deserves a first-class football program. There are signs they are turning the corner on that dream. I'd give anything to see it happen.
Should be a fun couple of years ahead. Start it right by winning whatever bowl takes us. Keep it going by filling our beautiful new stadium next year with excited, serious fans. Continue to recruit and build a winner. Stay true to the state, and win, and they will come.

Post #: 711

RE: Gopher Football - 11/27/2008 12:21:08 AM

So.Mn.Fan

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Only two days after the Gophers football team's regular season ended with a 55-0 loss to Iowa, there has been a change in the coaching staff.
Offensive line coach Phil Meyer, who arrived with coach Tim Brewster in 2007, resigned Monday. Tim Davis, currently the player personnel director at Alabama and a former assistant coach in the NFL and college, is expected to be Meyer's replacement.
"I'd like to thank Coach Meyer for his hard work and contribution to this program," Brewster said in an announcement. "Phil has been a long-time friend, and I wish him and his family all the best in the future."
Davis has an extensive résumé. He was assistant offensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins before re-joining Nick Saban at Alabama. He was an assistant at Southern California for the 2002-04 seasons, spending one year focused on guards and centers and two years as the offensive line coach. USC won at least a share of the national title in two of his three seasons at the school. Davis was tight ends/offensive tackles coach at Wisconsin from 1997 to 2001.
A change was expected after the Gophers lost their final four games with an offense that continued to struggle to run the ball or protect quarterback Adam Weber. The Gophers (7-5) had a number of young players along the line and had to deal with numerous injuries. But, statistically, it was a difficult season.
The Gophers finished last in the Big Ten in rushing offense, averaging 105.8 yards per game and 3.2 yards per rush. The Gophers were 10th in the conference in sacks allowed with 27. During the team's current four-game losing streak, the Gophers have averaged 64.3 rushing yards per game and 2.5 yards per rush; they netted 7 rushing yards against the Hawkeyes.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/27/2008 10:13:58 AM

Lynn G.

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Karl,

Thanks for the stats on those 3, 4 and 5 star recruits. I think that is very interesting, and a good sign of future success (hopefully).

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/28/2008 10:11:46 AM

Jeff Jesser

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Interesting hire from Brewster. I don't want to say it was knee jerked but....it seems kind of fast. I really like that he isn't content to be bowl eligible only but we did go from 1-11 to 7-5. The line did seem to underacheive i guess

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/28/2008 12:00:08 PM

TJSweens

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I get tired of hearing how the O-line underperformed. THEY STARTED 3 FRESHMAN. What did anyone really expect? 3 Frosh going against older more physically developed and more experienced D-Line men all year. This is another indictment of how abysmal Mason's recruiting was at the end. To leave such a massive age gap on the one unit that there is an abundance of quality in state recruits shows how badly he phoning in his recruiting. We all got our hopes up with the big 7-1 start only to be disappointed. What is proves is what I said before the season. Brewster needs to follow up last year's recruiting success with 2 more consecutive classes that are at least as good before they will be on an even footing with the big boys. That's how bad a recruiting void Mason left in a conference where the likes of Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan pull in big recruiting classes every year.

I will admit that I was not thrilled by the Brewster hire initially, but I feel more optimistic about this program today than I did at any point under Mason.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/28/2008 12:28:32 PM

Jeff Jesser

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So you are indeed saying it was a knee jerked reaction from Brewster?

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/28/2008 1:03:47 PM

Jim Frenette

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Jeff Jesser

So you are indeed saying it was a knee jerked reaction from Brewster?

Actually, since the hire was made as soon as the old coach quit, it says the move has been in the works for awhile

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/28/2008 7:43:06 PM

TJSweens

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We really don't know everything that went into the old coach leaving. I'm guessing that there was a lot more to it than the performance of the line.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/29/2008 12:05:07 AM

So.Mn.Fan

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There were some really nice football players out there tonight in that Wayzata/Blaine game.
A lot of talented 6-3 and -4 Linebackers who run well and hit like trucks.
That relates nicely to being an impact D-back in college. Hope we see some of those kids at the U, filling special teams and back-up roles.
Football is very healthy in this state. The offensive drives those two teams put together early were awesome combos of runs and passes.
Wayzata has some skilled guys I'd like to see in Gopher colors someday.

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RE: Gopher Football - 11/29/2008 9:17:24 AM

Jim Frenette

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quote:

ORIGINAL: So.Mn.Fan

There were some really nice football players out there tonight in that Wayzata/Blaine game.
A lot of talented 6-3 and -4 Linebackers who run well and hit like trucks.
That relates nicely to being an impact D-back in college. Hope we see some of those kids at the U, filling special teams and back-up roles.
Football is very healthy in this state. The offensive drives those two teams put together early were awesome combos of runs and passes.
Wayzata has some skilled guys I'd like to see in Gopher colors someday.

That offensive line looked huge for Wayzata.

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RE: Gopher Football - 12/8/2008 9:58:41 AM

Jim Frenette

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Gophers will face Kansas in the Insight Bowl and it is one of 2 bowl games that is on the NFL network. I lose out again this year

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RE: Gopher Football - 12/8/2008 10:01:20 AM

Lynn G.

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Most of us lose out Jim. I'll bet it's the minority that get NFL Network.

Is that the one that you signed up for last year for one game? My memory is fading.

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RE: Gopher Football - 12/8/2008 10:04:56 AM

Jim Frenette

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Lynn G.

Most of us lose out Jim. I'll bet it's the minority that get NFL Network.

Is that the one that you signed up for last year for one game? My memory is fading.

No it was an ESPN channel on the Sports View. Charter won't carry the NFL net

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RE: Gopher Football - 12/8/2008 10:09:51 AM

Lynn G.

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Got it.

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RE: Gopher Football - 12/8/2008 10:10:25 AM

So.Mn.Fan

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Lynn .. didn't you go to a Kansas/Mo game this year?
Give us a scouting report.
I don't know a lot about them.
I see they are 7-5 ( in a tougher conference)
I remember them being very innovative the last couple years.
We need to regain some mojo.
We return to the sight of the final Mason Debacle. Hope we erase the memories.
Fortunately, I get NFL network (and more importantly, the NHL Network)

I rely on both heavily. Keep on your cable companies, people, you'd really enjoy them.

Post #: 725

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