For 6 years, Tanner has been the best Gopher QB of my lifetime. And I'm 50. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for him. He has been a key part of a group of guys that have elevated Gopher football.
The fact of the matter is that Athan brings things to the table that Tanner cannot. Athan is more athletic, faster, and has a stronger arm. These things can open up options on the field - and they did today. Athan won the game today in a way in which Tanner could not have replicated.
The Gophers may have won with Tanner at the helm - but it would have looked different. (And I'm not sure that we could have won.)
Athan will need time to let the mental part of the game become second nature. But the future is bright. The "future" may not arrive next year - we likely take some "lumps" next year in order to set up the next two. But be patient and enjoy the ride. Athan ultimately takes us further, and when he has acquired the mental part of the game, the Gophers probably have the best QB in the B1G with Athan at the helm.