Could Still be a Charmed Season

[Gophergrandpa]

For all the angst and disappointment this season, the Gophers still stand at 4-3 in the B1G and could (maybe should) finish the season 6-3 in the B1G. How lucky have the Gophers been to date? Here are the scoring differentials of all the B1G teams with 4-3 records (points for; points against; point differential):

Iowa. 193--119 = +74
Washington 176--123 = +48
Nebraska 178--175 = +3
Illinois 187--217 = -30 (includes a 53 point loss to Indiana)
Gophers 124--199 = -75
Northwestern 139--152 = -13 (NW actually has 3-4 record in the B1G)

I threw in 3-4 Northwestern for reference because it is our next opponent. How are the teams with the worst records in then B1G faring (with the Gophers shown for reference)?

Wisconsin, 1-6, 47--184 = -137
Purdue, 0-8, 127--253 = -126
Michigan State, 0-7, 134--241 = -107
Rutgers, 2-5, 160--242 = -82
Gophers, 4-3, 124--199 = -75
Maryland, 1-6, 131--202 = -70
Penn State, 1-6, 178--188 = -10

The Gophers' B1G schedule was tough on the road, and the team played very poorly in each road game. Luckily, the Gophers had mostly the dregs of the B1G at home and eked out a bunch of close home wins (except we pounded Nebraska). Can the Gophers win a single road game this year? One is left: Northwestern, which plays very tough defense and on offense has actually outscored the Gophers. By rights the NW game should be a toss up, but it is on the road ...where this year's Gophs have folded like a cheap suit. Can the Gophers beat Wisconsin at home? Wisconsin has only scored 47 points in 7 B1G games this year (just under 7 point per game). Let me say that again: a total of 47 points in seven B1G games. If the Gophers somehow lose at home to this Wisconsin team--and anything is possible--I think PJ suddenly goes onto a very hot seat.

Go Gophers! Finish 6-3 in the B1G (8-4 overall) and get older, faster and better next year.

 

[holereader]

PJ does seem to have the ability to pick these guys up off the mat. Hoping that will be the case next week. I think next week will define the season. Big game

 

[BilldGopher]

As time has gone by the only good thing that came out of Northwestern State was the W. In terms of getting us ready for B1G+ play, it was an enhanced scrimmage with refs so no deal. 4th and 5th stringers actually got "game time" but we're challenged with our 1st and 2nd string guys so no value there.

I know that Bowling Green backed out and the AD had to find a replacement; so playing them was not on purpose in that sense. In economics this would be categorized as an opportunity cost. Losing the opportunity to play a team with more than a pulse took away a small amount of team development.

Do not do that again Mr. Coyle. Thank you.

 

[stocker08]

PJ does seem to have the ability to pick these guys up off the mat. Hoping that will be the case next week. I think next week will define the season. Big game

Probably. Team has played terrible on the road. Beat NW.....come home for the Axe game against a very beatable Wisconsin team. Finishing 8-4 would be a success....all things considered.

 

[IceBoxGopher]

Yep, can potentially finish on a really high note at 8-4 by winning these next two. Earning another in the bowl for another 9 win season would certainly be a positive.

 

[MonikerSchmoniker45]

Gotta beat the Skunks!

 

[MNVCGUY]

If DT can stay healthy for the next two I like our chances. Our offense works much better when he is out there and even with our struggles on D they should be able to hang with these opposing offenses that are not very good themselves.

Finishing 8-4, 9-4 with the bowl game would be pretty solid with a redshirt freshman QB and many of the other issues the team has struggled with this season.