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An impressive recounting of the history of Gopher football. You're right, the Gophers were a national power until 1961 when a new era began in Twin Cities sports. Fleck has done as well or better than any coach here since the waning years of Warmath as the Gopher fortunes declined. Having...

National championship? A coach needs to win one to be recognized?

I'd say 8 reg season wins is pretty good.

UN 24 UM 13

Yeah, what changed in 1961?

The kids see the fatuous demonstrations in the end zone in the NFL and think it's cool.

I'm still hoping for 7-5 but 6-6 is more likely based on the conference games so far.

The era of "players coming back" is over. NIL and Pay-for-play has ended it. You can't be confident of returnees.

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.

You might be right. Money trumps celebrity.

I think the top recruits don't want to be on page 5.

Talent

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.

What do you think?

UM 24 PU. 16

What happened in 1961 that changed things?

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.

Good summary.

No NBA NFL MLB?