This is obviously an emotional subject for people but it points to the realities of big time college athletics today. If it makes more financial sense for you or your family to stop buying season tickets and just scalp every game by all means go for it. Financial considerations drive every part of our lives so do what you gotta do, just don't ask others to pat you on the back for being "pragmatic" while at the same time calling your self a fanatic.
Its pointless to brag or d*** measure about how much you care about Gopher sports in relation to how much you've given/spent on the AD in the past. I know what the past has been and frankly there isn't a whole lot there but heartbreak and frustration. And furthermore I know what we are going to have to do going forward to be competitive in the B1G and nationally.
I consider this the most successful Gopher football season I've seen in my life, period. And I couldn't be more excited about our AD, the coach we have, or the direction we are heading. I have been and will do everything I can to keep the momentum going because I don't want to lose this. Maybe it is because I'm younger, have spent significant time outside the state, and don't have the same jaded perspective about the program as some in the state or media (specifically looking at you fat pat). I have real pride in this University and I know it can be great, but its the "Minnesota mediocrity" mentality that permeates throughout the culture of the state (especially the older population, no disrespect intended) that is holding us back.
We gotta stop being modest and start beating our chests a little more, this state has plenty to be proud of, we just gotta start showing it more.
Last season the Gophers were 4-5 against BCS/Power 5 teams. That happened in 2005, 2004 and 2002. This season they are 5-4. They will end-up either at 6-4 or at 5-5. 6-4 will be the best season since 2003 when they went 6-3. If they lose, 5-5 is the very definition of "mediocre".
Luckily, Kill like Mason and unlike Brewster and Wacker, has done a good job at beating the Non-Conference teams that we write big checks to, to secure a few victories. Throwing those 3-4 victories in there really helps make the season record look good. Losing some of them can destroy a record and the fan base morale.
This season has been very good. Being the "most successful Gopher Football team you seen" in your life is very sad. Guess only people in their 60's or 70's can say differently. Leaves me out also. Though sorry that you weren't around to see that 2003 season. That felt great too. If they win the Bowl Game it will feel like a great year to any Gopher fan. The fact that you and many others can't be "more excited about our" A.D, Coach and direction is also another example of the "Minnesota Mentality".
We tend to completely forget about the past, no matter how recent, when things start to go well. Give us something to grasp onto and it's World Series Rings, Super Bowls and Big Ten Championships etc. one after another. Usually we don't end up getting them, but if you go back to right after they beat Oregon to go to 10-3 there would have been a lot of people who felt that way about the Coach at least.
Not sure if we will renew or not but, God Bless you West Coast. Hope you and your buddies sitting at those 50 yard line seats and cheering for victories from the TCU game right on through to that Badger game on 11/28.
Hope the check you write for those tickets helps pull them through and you're right about that future.
We were thinking they same thing from 1999 to 2003/2004. Oh and it "ain't bragging", just stating facts. Which a lot of the people who are screaming "just spend your money" certainly can't do.