Adam Rittenberg blog: Post-spring Power Rankings (Gophs #11)

[BleedGopher]

11. Minnesota: New coach Jerry Kill made his demands crystal clear this spring, and we'll now see how many players are up to the task. Kill said Minnesota must get a lot tougher, a process that typically takes a season or two to fully sink in. Quarterback MarQueis Gray drew favorable reviews and established himself as the leader of the offense, and the linebackers should be a strength this fall. Many question remain, however, especially along both lines and at receiver.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/26291/post-spring-power-rankings

Go Gophers!!

 

[Navin]

For a moment the #11 rank made me wonder why we would be behind Indiana. Then I remembered - 12 teams now. Gotta get used to it.

 

[gophmeister]

I guess that's where he has to rank us seeing as how we have a new coach and we're not Michigan. In some ways we're on par with the likes of Illinois, Purdue and Northwestern, and heck even Michigan to some extent. I would not be surprised to see us beat them all or lose to them all this fall. They all have huge question marks just like us.

 

[koppco1]

I think Wisky may be a little high. Rittenberg acknowledges the uncertainty at QB but he ignores the fact that besides Toon they basically lost all of their top receiving threats (Kendricks, Gilreath, Jefferson, and Anderson) in addition to losing Carimi and Moffit off of the line. I'm sure they will continue to have a solid run game but I think they will struggle to score when opponents stack the line. Also, losing Watt on D cannot be underestimated (along with some solid contributors like Valai, Sorensen, St. Jean, and Brinkley). The havoc he caused allowed other less skilled guys to make alot of plays.

 

[CFBaller]

I think this is a fair ranking for the Gophers as of now. My guess is the team will have its issues in the beginning of the year but it will get better as the season progresses. I can see the Gophs winning 4 Big Ten games this year.I think they got a decent shot against Michigan, Iowa, Northwestern, Purdue, and Illinois.

 

[MinnMarchDTF]

Given how we haven't proven anything yet on the field, have a new coach/systems, coming off a 3-9 year, and have a lot of depth issues, this shouldn't be too surprising. And I think until we prove on the field that we're better (or worse) than #11 in the league, that's where we should stay.

 

[gophmeister]

I think Wisky may be a little high. Rittenberg acknowledges the uncertainty at QB but he ignores the fact that besides Toon they basically lost all of their top receiving threats (Kendricks, Gilreath, Jefferson, and Anderson) in addition to losing Carimi and Moffit off of the line. I'm sure they will continue to have a solid run game but I think they will struggle to score when opponents stack the line. Also, losing Watt on D cannot be underestimated (along with some solid contributors like Valai, Sorensen, St. Jean, and Brinkley). The havoc he caused allowed other less skilled guys to make alot of plays.

This is the inverse. They're coming off a championship and their main obstacle, tOSU, is hindered by suspensions. Plus they have their vaunted running game as a foundation. Still, qb's are typically though to replace, but then again, badger qbs aren't expected to do much of anything. If one things for certain, we'll find out how well they've been recruiting.

 

[4four4]

Did Adam Rittenberg come to MPLS this spring to see the Gophers? If he hasn't wouldn't a power ranking be pointless?

 

[BleedGopher]

I think this is a fair ranking for the Gophers as of now. My guess is the team will have its issues in the beginning of the year but it will get better as the season progresses. I can see the Gophs winning 4 Big Ten games this year.I think they got a decent shot against Michigan, Iowa, Northwestern, Purdue, and Illinois.

4 BT wins?! That would be one heck of a first year for Kill. We've only won 4 BT games six times since 1987. If we win 4 this year, the expectations for years 2 and 3 will be sky high. Let's hope it happens.

Go Gophers!!

 

[CrocShots]

Did Adam Rittenberg come to MPLS this spring to see the Gophers? If he hasn't wouldn't a power ranking be pointless?

They're ALWAYS pointless. They're just for the fans to bicker about on boards and for bloggers to "show off" their own knowledge.

Rittenberg does a pretty decent job though.