Yes, I read it. 5 statements, 4 of which are backed up by a statistic (or multiple) emphasizing the point. If that's your definition on "hot take" so be it. To me that's reporting as the writer, Randy Johnson, is the Gophers beat guy. When they lose, I don't expect the 5 statements to be cheerful. They lost. 5 insights as to why. That's it.
If your argument is not enough reporting that's a different issue. There is less, yes across the board not just with the Strib but all papers, industry wide. Budget cuts have become common. Johnson did not even go the Illinois game (still wrote about it). That I can understand as a valid critique.
Chip Scoggins is a columnist, has been for like 5+ years but you did not seem aware of. Very good at what he does, in my opinion. He wrote an accompanying column about the game, which I bet has been done for nearly every Gophers home game for about a century. When Sid was alive it was most often 2 columns to go with the game feature.
Jim Paulson as the HS beat writer can not do anything to influence my opinion on the Strib either way, just not passionate enough about HS sports to more than glance over articles. If that's your jam...by all means do not waste the money.
