Eric Atherton on 2017 season: "anything less than a 7-0 start will be disappointing"

[BleedGopher]

Eric Atherton on 2017 season: "anything less than a 7-0 start will be disappointing"

per Atherton:

On average, 8,000 of TCF Bank Stadium's 51,000 seats were unsold for Gophers games, despite some of the mildest, most picture-perfect football weather a fan could want.

Poor attendance, of course, isn't Claeys' fault, and I will grudgingly admit that he probably deserves to keep his job for at least one more season. His defense, at times, looked absolutely dominant and could be even better next year. Had his quarterback been simply average, rather than dreadful, Claeys could be leading a team with Rose Bowl aspirations.

But make no mistake — next year, the bar must be set considerably higher, and the possibility of a buyout will still hang over Claeys' head. Based on the schedule, anything less than a 7-0 start will be disappointing, as the non-conference games include Buffalo, Middle Tennessee and a dreadful Oregon State squad, followed by four conference games against teams that went a combined 7-29 in the Big 10 this year.

Claeys' fate, in other words, should hinge on what happens in the the final five games next year — at Iowa, at Michigan, home vs. Nebraska, at Northwestern and the regular-season finale at home against Wisconsin.

This year's Gophers team, to borrow a phrase from the legendary Paul Harvey, was "the best of the lousiest, and the lousiest of the best."

That will not be good enough next year.

http://www.postbulletin.com/sports/...cle_dd475dcc-9789-52a7-ba55-2466bc2386cf.html

Go Gophers!!

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

anything less than a 7-0 start will be disappointing

At this point declarations that perfection over a given time is the only acceptable outcome are so common I'm not even sure what they mean.

Does that mean Eric Atherton will be disappointed?

So what?

It is like some people's use of the word "unacceptable". It doesn't have any meaning anymore. With a few seasons aside I think the gophers have complied plenty of "disappointing" or "unacceptable" seasons since the 60s..... so?

 

[ivesetsail]

Expecting a 7-0 start when there is not a clear idea of who the starting quarterback will be... Stay golden, gopher fans.

 

[bemidjigopher]

per Atherton:

On average, 8,000 of TCF Bank Stadium's 51,000 seats were unsold for Gophers games, despite some of the mildest, most picture-perfect football weather a fan could want.

Poor attendance, of course, isn't Claeys' fault, and I will grudgingly admit that he probably deserves to keep his job for at least one more season. His defense, at times, looked absolutely dominant and could be even better next year. Had his quarterback been simply average, rather than dreadful, Claeys could be leading a team with Rose Bowl aspirations.

But make no mistake — next year, the bar must be set considerably higher, and the possibility of a buyout will still hang over Claeys' head. Based on the schedule, anything less than a 7-0 start will be disappointing, as the non-conference games include Buffalo, Middle Tennessee and a dreadful Oregon State squad, followed by four conference games against teams that went a combined 7-29 in the Big 10 this year.

Claeys' fate, in other words, should hinge on what happens in the the final five games next year — at Iowa, at Michigan, home vs. Nebraska, at Northwestern and the regular-season finale at home against Wisconsin.

This year's Gophers team, to borrow a phrase from the legendary Paul Harvey, was "the best of the lousiest, and the lousiest of the best."

That will not be good enough next year.

http://www.postbulletin.com/sports/...cle_dd475dcc-9789-52a7-ba55-2466bc2386cf.html

Go Gophers!!

Who the **** is Erik Atherton. Again if Claeys has a winning conference record and wins 8 plus games he will not be fired. It would be even more rediculous next year than this year because would have done it in back to back seasons with a "harder" schedule and would have more winning seasons than Kill and as many as Mason in conference play. To quote the looniest of loons Wren, "Only Big Ten wins matter"

 

[bottlebass]

Expecting a 7-0 start when there is not a clear idea of who the starting quarterback will be... Stay golden, gopher fans.

This will be key. Someone needs to step up or next season could turn bad quickly. Just because those teams were bad this year doesn't mean they will be as bad next year and there is a chance maybe Leidner was our best QB and we will be worse at least initially on offense. Expecting a 7-0 start seems pretty crazy. I'm hoping for one, but not expecting one.

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

This was obviously written by someone who just doesn't like Claeys and doesn't want him as our coach. That is a perfectly fine position, he should just state that opinion.

The University of MN is not going to fire a coach who goes over .500 in conference. They aren't going to do it because it is somewhat of an accomplishment at schools like ours (Ferentz has only been .500 9/18 seasons at Iowa, Alvarez was only over .500 6/13 seasons at WI).

I'm not saying that I wouldn't get bored with 10 seasons of 5-4, 4-5, 5-4, 3-6, etc., conference records.

We were a few plays away from playing in the Rose Bowl. I know, I am a Gopher fan and I've been a Gopher fan long enough to realize that is still a mountain to climb. However, that sure feels closer to me than most of our history.

 

[WorkingMyTailOff]

Plus he doesn't realize that Oregon State is trending up and it will likely be a very tough game next year.

 

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

Plus he doesn't realize that Oregon State is trending up and it will likely be a very tough game next year.

Well they kind of have to....

 

[Vandy]

This will be key. Someone needs to step up or next season could turn bad quickly. Just because those teams were bad this year doesn't mean they will be as bad next year and there is a chance maybe Leidner was our best QB and we will be worse at least initially on offense. Expecting a 7-0 start seems pretty crazy. I'm hoping for one, but not expecting one.

When looking at the 2017 a couple of days ago, I had the same thought. Rose colored glasses view? Yes, 7-0 going into Iowa City, would appear POSSIBLE. Early non-conference game at Oregon State should give you a good indicator as to this liklihood. Hopefully Green AND Demry-Croft prove capable. My bet is on Green.

 

[MaxyJR1]

Hopefully Green AND Demry-Croft prove capable. My bet is on Green.

The staff wants to bring in a 6'3" 200lb. Hawaii nativee JC QB to compete for starter. The kid they are looking at http://www.scout.com/player/211495-jordan-ta-amu/recruiting?year=2016&s=176 is being looked at by Ole Miss as well. He has an offer from New Mexico which shows me the kid can really run. From his interview with Doogie, it sounds like he isn't coming to visit without an offer in hand. Also in the interview he says MN is looking to also bring a freshman in as well. That is likely the kid who is currently committed to Colorado St.

7-0? I would lean toward "could" rather an "should".

Let's see what the off-season brings first.

 

[Vandy]

The staff is bringing in a 6'3" 200lb. Hawaii nativee JC QB to compete for starter. The kid they are looking at http://www.scout.com/player/211495-jordan-ta-amu/recruiting?year=2016&s=176 is being looked at by Ole Miss as well. He has an offer from New Mexico which shows me the kid can really run. From his interview with Doogie, it sounds like he isn't coming to visit without an offer in hand. Also in the interview he says MN is looking to also bring a freshman in as well. That is likely the kid who is currently committed to Colorado St.

7-0? I would lean toward "could" rather an "should".

Let's see what the off-season brings first.

This would all make for some very interesting competition.

 

[Gophers7NatTitlesBadgers0]

Who's Eric Atherton?

 

[Urbandale]

per Atherton:

On average, 8,000 of TCF Bank Stadium's 51,000 seats were unsold for Gophers games, despite some of the mildest, most picture-perfect football weather a fan could want.

Poor attendance, of course, isn't Claeys' fault, and I will grudgingly admit that he probably deserves to keep his job for at least one more season. His defense, at times, looked absolutely dominant and could be even better next year. Had his quarterback been simply average, rather than dreadful, Claeys could be leading a team with Rose Bowl aspirations.

But make no mistake — next year, the bar must be set considerably higher, and the possibility of a buyout will still hang over Claeys' head. Based on the schedule, anything less than a 7-0 start will be disappointing, as the non-conference games include Buffalo, Middle Tennessee and a dreadful Oregon State squad, followed by four conference games against teams that went a combined 7-29 in the Big 10 this year.

Claeys' fate, in other words, should hinge on what happens in the the final five games next year — at Iowa, at Michigan, home vs. Nebraska, at Northwestern and the regular-season finale at home against Wisconsin.

This year's Gophers team, to borrow a phrase from the legendary Paul Harvey, was "the best of the lousiest, and the lousiest of the best."

That will not be good enough next year.

http://www.postbulletin.com/sports/...cle_dd475dcc-9789-52a7-ba55-2466bc2386cf.html

Go Gophers!!

I don't think that word means what he thinks it means.

 

[MNGoldenGophers1]

The staff wants to bring in a 6'3" 200lb. Hawaii nativee JC QB to compete for starter. The kid they are looking at http://www.scout.com/player/211495-jordan-ta-amu/recruiting?year=2016&s=176 is being looked at by Ole Miss as well. He has an offer from New Mexico which shows me the kid can really run. From his interview with Doogie, it sounds like he isn't coming to visit without an offer in hand. Also in the interview he says MN is looking to also bring a freshman in as well. That is likely the kid who is currently committed to Colorado St.

7-0? I would lean toward "could" rather an "should".

Let's see what the off-season brings first.

Huh? His only other offer is from Eastern Kentucky. He doesn't exactly seem like a savior to all are qb woes but I guess the only way we'll ever know is if he comes here and plays.

 

[Some guy]

Plus he doesn't realize that Oregon State is trending up and it will likely be a very tough game next year.

Yes. If Oregon State goes from bottom dweller of the PAC 12 to a team that beats the gophers...I will be filled with confidence knowing OSU has gotten better

 

[upnorthkid]

Who the **** is Erik Atherton. Again if Claeys has a winning conference record and wins 8 plus games he will not be fired. It would be even more rediculous next year than this year because would have done it in back to back seasons with a "harder" schedule and would have more winning seasons than Kill and as many as Mason in conference play. To quote the looniest of loons Wren, "Only Big Ten wins matter"

I could see him going with an 8-5 season depending on who those wins are over, but it would be a pretty unique situation.

 

[PMWinSTP]

The staff wants to bring in a 6'3" 200lb. Hawaii nativee JC QB to compete for starter. The kid they are looking at http://www.scout.com/player/211495-jordan-ta-amu/recruiting?year=2016&s=176 is being looked at by Ole Miss as well. He has an offer from New Mexico which shows me the kid can really run. From his interview with Doogie, it sounds like he isn't coming to visit without an offer in hand. Also in the interview he says MN is looking to also bring a freshman in as well. That is likely the kid who is currently committed to Colorado St.

7-0? I would lean toward "could" rather an "should".

Let's see what the off-season brings first.

There's an entire thread on this topic...he doesn't look any different than Green or Croft (dual threat) and his stats are very average playing for a JC equivalent to Anoka-Ramsey against some pretty suspect competition. Not saying don't bring in more competition, but...

 

[MNVCGUY]

This will be key. Someone needs to step up or next season could turn bad quickly. Just because those teams were bad this year doesn't mean they will be as bad next year and there is a chance maybe Leidner was our best QB and we will be worse at least initially on offense. Expecting a 7-0 start seems pretty crazy. I'm hoping for one, but not expecting one.

Hold up....we have been hearing from many that Leidner was the worst QB ever to take a snap in the history of college football. There is no possible way the backups could be any worse.

What you said is my fear as well, there are some here that assume the QB play can't get worse, it absolutely can. Hopefully whoever gets the job runs with it and finally gives us the strong play from the QB position that we have all been waiting for. But there could definitely be some hiccups early in the season because no matter who is under center next year they are going to have really limited to zero college game experience. Even if we do end up going the JC route it is a massive jump from JC football to power 5 football.

The possibility of going 7-0 is there but to say it is the only acceptable outcome with the unknows at the QB position is definitely jumping the gun.

 

[westcoastgopher11]

who the **** is eric atherton

irt our record at the start its stupid we have a bowl game to play the season isnt even over yet dude

 

[MaxyJR1]

There's an entire thread on this topic...he doesn't look any different than Green or Croft (dual threat) and his stats are very average playing for a JC equivalent to Anoka-Ramsey against some pretty suspect competition. Not saying don't bring in more competition, but...

Makes sense as to why more offers are slow to come.

If it's equivalent to Anoka-Ramsey, they may need to confirm if they event have a football team or if he is pulling of the recruiting fraud of all time.

 

[everybody knows my name]

Yes. If Oregon State goes from bottom dweller of the PAC 12 to a team that beats the gophers...I will be filled with confidence knowing OSU has gotten better

They're a major university, playing in a major conference, with a major coach (Anderson). Looking at their progress from the beginning of 2015 to the end of 2016, they'll probably win 6+ games next year.

 

[PMWinSTP]

Makes sense as to why more offers are slow to come.

If it's equivalent to Anoka-Ramsey, they may need to confirm if they event have a football team or if he is pulling of the recruiting fraud of all time.

They used to have a team...but yeah, JC FB teams are few and far between in MN. Just used a community college most were aware of for comparison of how far that school is below FBS.

 

[GoldyMoose]

OSU is getting better. They won their last 2 games (including vs Oregon) with their starting QB out for the season, and we will be playing them on the road. People said our first time playing TCU was no big deal, because they were 4-8 the year before; they were loaded, and lost a lot of close games to good competition the year before. Look how they did the following year. Not saying we are playing Alabama-like competition, but that game is not a cupcake.

 

[MNVCGUY]

OSU is getting better. They won their last 2 games (including vs Oregon) with their starting QB out for the season, and we will be playing them on the road. People said our first time playing TCU was no big deal, because they were 4-8 the year before; they were loaded, and lost a lot of close games to good competition the year before. Look how they did the following year. Not saying we are playing Alabama-like competition, but that game is not a cupcake.

Agree, this year that game was pretty much a must win given how bad they were the year before and the fact that the game was at home. Next year it probably drifts far more into toss-up territory given it is on the road and with our QB situation. Anderson is a quality coach so I have little doubt he will keep moving them in the right direction. Glad it is game 2 and not game 1, hopefully whoever is under center will have had a chance to workout some nerves against Buffalo.

 

[Iceland12]

Who's Eric Atherton?

A writer for a newspaper with a circulation of about 41,000. The Downtown Journal, the old Skyway News, has about 30,000. But taking a look at the number of views and posts in this thread it worked for Bleed.

 

[Some guy]

They're a major university, playing in a major conference, with a major coach (Anderson). Looking at their progress from the beginning of 2015 to the end of 2016, they'll probably win 6+ games next year.

I agree. And I am saying if we can't expect to beat 6-6 teams next year then what are we doing?