BleedGopher
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per Chip:
Let’s leave predictions to others. I’m more curious about optics. How will the Gophers respond against a championship-caliber team after looking mentally checked out last week?
The Gophers can shape the way we view their progress in P.J. Fleck’s first season — or lack thereof — by how they compete on the most important Saturday of their season.
Will they show grit and fight against a more talented team? That’s No. 1 on the list. A few others: Receivers catch passes that hit them in the hands. Defensive linemen hold their ground. Defensive backs take proper angles in pursuit. And Demry Croft looks commanding in directing the offense.
Fleck pinned last week’s clunker solely on turnovers. True, the Gophers gave themselves zero chance to win with so many giveaways, but their focus reeked of a disinterested team. That left a bad impression.
“I never questioned their worth ethic, their how, their energy, their passion,” Fleck said. “We’ve had our challenges.”
Opinions of Fleck’s inaugural season likely are formed by how deeply a person has examined those challenges. A clear divide exists between those who trust Fleck’s vision and those who view Year 1 as a bust. In truth, nothing definitive can be established yet.
One can maintain patience in allowing a coach to implement his plan and sign his own recruits while also feeling disappointed in the early results.
In the short term, the most meaningful rivalry game of the season awaits. The Axe trophy case in the Gophers complex has sat empty for a long time.
The Badgers are a terrific team. The Gophers are big underdogs for a reason. This is their chance to reshape how people view them.
http://www.startribune.com/win-or-lose-rivalry-game-will-show-what-gophers-are-made-of/459826203/
Go Gophers!!
Let’s leave predictions to others. I’m more curious about optics. How will the Gophers respond against a championship-caliber team after looking mentally checked out last week?
The Gophers can shape the way we view their progress in P.J. Fleck’s first season — or lack thereof — by how they compete on the most important Saturday of their season.
Will they show grit and fight against a more talented team? That’s No. 1 on the list. A few others: Receivers catch passes that hit them in the hands. Defensive linemen hold their ground. Defensive backs take proper angles in pursuit. And Demry Croft looks commanding in directing the offense.
Fleck pinned last week’s clunker solely on turnovers. True, the Gophers gave themselves zero chance to win with so many giveaways, but their focus reeked of a disinterested team. That left a bad impression.
“I never questioned their worth ethic, their how, their energy, their passion,” Fleck said. “We’ve had our challenges.”
Opinions of Fleck’s inaugural season likely are formed by how deeply a person has examined those challenges. A clear divide exists between those who trust Fleck’s vision and those who view Year 1 as a bust. In truth, nothing definitive can be established yet.
One can maintain patience in allowing a coach to implement his plan and sign his own recruits while also feeling disappointed in the early results.
In the short term, the most meaningful rivalry game of the season awaits. The Axe trophy case in the Gophers complex has sat empty for a long time.
The Badgers are a terrific team. The Gophers are big underdogs for a reason. This is their chance to reshape how people view them.
http://www.startribune.com/win-or-lose-rivalry-game-will-show-what-gophers-are-made-of/459826203/
Go Gophers!!