I still think 7-5 (5-4) is possible. A pass-first offense is more likely to be successful early in the season. Late season weather favors rushing. That has to be fixed.
Yes, and by the end of the decade pro basketball was back in The Cities (Pipers, Muskies) and the NHL was also drawing fans' money and attention. Prior to all these pro teams diluting sports spending, Gophers Football was the state's sport.
Yes, many other places for fans to focus on -- including Going Up North on weekends. You're right, it's not the size of the Metro, it's the dilution of fan interest and money in the market with so many attractions. This was not the case before 1961.
That raises an interesting point. What percent of Gopher fans are alums? Non alums have lots of choices to spend money on. Twins. Vikings. Wild. Timberwolves. To name a few. What other BiG teams have that much competition in their town?