In terms of "second fiddle"... I think the new stadium has a chance to build a much larger "Gopher's First" fan base than exists today. In the Dome, despite the band and cheerleaders overall it was like having a direct competition for the SAME sports dollars. Sort of like the Jets and Giants in a much smaller town.
Prior to that the Gophers played on campus, but the stadium was tired and falling apart.
Now... lots of Minnesotans are discovering what most Gopher Holers, and fans of college football everywhere else has known for a long time... a big time college football environment can stand on its own. I graduated elsewhere. I didn't attend the UofM. But, if I were a casual fan and an alum, I would love the opportunity to spark those memories several times each fall on campus. That could never happen at the dome. The entire production... game, cheerleaders, band, etc. has an entirely different (very appealing) feel to it now. Tailgating is in its infancy and everyone hasn't found their favorite gameday activities yet. It will only grow.
In terms of the team... I think 7-5 is a step forward and 8-4 would be fantastic considering the schedule and the preseason predictions for the Gophers. That would be two nice steps forward in as many years. I'd take it.