Gophers Fleck on closing the gap against top teams: "...Just because you want that doesn't mean that's going to happen."

[A_Slab_of_Bacon]

But if you try, sometimes you might find you get what you need.

 

[Panthadad2]

Indiana had a recent cash infusion. Gophers and a lot of others could become Indiana with $$$. That's different than becoming Ohio State, Michigan or Oregon. Texas Tech and Indiana are a different category.

Not just dollars, but also hitting lightning in a bottle with NFL quality 1-year transfer quarterbacks that embrace the system and a lot of luck with both the schedule and injuries. What Indiana is doing is not sustainable.

MN was close to that in 2019 but couldn't close the deal.

 

[MNVCGUY]

Not just dollars, but also hitting lightning in a bottle with NFL quality 1-year transfer quarterbacks that embrace the system and a lot of luck with both the schedule and injuries. What Indiana is doing is not sustainable.

MN was close to that in 2019 but couldn't close the deal.

Yeah, Indiana's run these last two years has been impressive but they are a long way from being a permanent resident of that top tier that includes teams like Ohio State.

 

[Random Guy 12]

Yeah, Indiana's run these last two years has been impressive but they are a long way from being a permanent resident of that top tier that includes teams like Ohio State.

If I hit the Powerball jackpot I might send us on a wild run for a year or two but its up to everyone else here to sustain it after that!

 

[Tech Machine]

Sorry but the tweet pic triggered an adverse fashion reaction...

View attachment 40214

The Billds really DISLIKE the lower color. Believe that Coach has shied away from it this season but it was prominent for several.

Coach's fashion choices are typically spot on...well, the ankles in his capris are a questionable look...but this color is yuck.

That Capri thing is spot on, should not be on the sideline in my opinion. Eric Von Rooyan(sp?) wears them on the PGA tour. I know he is a U guy but man, it just bugs me…….now get off my lawn!!

 

[Panthadad2]

Yeah, Indiana's run these last two years has been impressive but they are a long way from being a permanent resident of that top tier that includes teams like Ohio State.

I'd say Indiana does have the advantage of having Purdue as its only protected annual rivalry, Purdue being a perennial bottom program, so it will have years without its huge bugaboo Ohio State on its schedule.

For example, even though Iowa has been nowhere near Ohio State's level, it might as well be for Minnesota. Ferentz has almost single handedly kept Fleck from moving the Gophers solidly into that next tier below OSU/Michigan/Oregon.

 

[FanSinceTheFifties]

Not just dollars, but also hitting lightning in a bottle with NFL quality 1-year transfer quarterbacks that embrace the system and a lot of luck with both the schedule and injuries. What Indiana is doing is not sustainable.

MN was close to that in 2019 but couldn't close the deal.

Yes, 2019 was uplifting. We'll probably see another year like that some day. Tough to get there regularly. Re NIL, Minnesota sports money has many pots to fill. High dilution factor.

 

[BilldGopher]

I knew the equipment people for Missouri at one time and basically the Coaches had their game attire laid out for them each game by NIKE. Down to their socks

Sorry Heather...

 

[Some guy]

I would agree with this if we didn't see Iowa and other teams with far less money still compete every year and find ways to win without the extra money. It all comes down to coaching and PJ and company consistently get out-coached against these big schools.

I get what you’re saying but Iowa currently is 6-4 against a pretty similar schedule

The difference is Mn is 1-1 vs 6-4 Iowa and 7-3 Nebraska
Iowa is 1-1 vs 6-4 Minnesota and 8-2 USC

The next two weeks the schedule is easier for Mn though.

 

[caliGopher]

I knew the equipment people for Missouri at one time and basically the Coaches had their game attire laid out for them each game by NIKE. Down to their socks

Yes, with input from the coach. PJ wears the capris. All. The. Time. It's his choice. I don't care, but you can't blame that particular fashion choice on Nike.

 

[Random Guy 12]

I get what you’re saying but Iowa currently is 6-4 against a pretty similar schedule

The difference is Mn is 1-1 vs 6-4 Iowa and 7-3 Nebraska
Iowa is 1-1 vs 6-4 Minnesota and 8-2 USC

The next two weeks the schedule is easier for Mn though.

The difference is more about Iowa competed with and could argue should have beaten Indiana and Oregon while the Gophs were blown out vs Ohio St and Oregon. Funny that we have the same record as them but I think both fanbases are unhappy with outcomes. They are unhappy they can't finish/win these games and we're unhappy because we aren't really competitive in them.

 

[Some guy]

The difference is more about Iowa competed with and could argue should have beaten Indiana and Oregon while the Gophs were blown out vs Ohio St and Oregon. Funny that we have the same record as them but I think both fanbases are unhappy with outcomes. They are unhappy they can't finish/win these games and we're unhappy because we aren't really competitive in them.

Agree

I just think if the gophers had Iowa results the same people would be mad

6-4 this year.
Lost to rival Iowa state who is a mid level power 4. Can’t finish Va the big dogs

2024
8-5
Lost to instate rival
Lost to 5-7 UCLA
Lost to 5-7 Michigan State

2023
Won division….but lost to 5-7 Minnesota to cost themselves being 11-1 going to big ten title game. Not sure if it would’ve changed their bowl game or not
Lost 26-0 and 31-0 and 35-0 in the three ranked games they played

2022
8-5
Best division champ Purdue by 21
Lost to 4-8 Nebraska in last game to cost themselves a spot in big ten title game
Also lost to 4-8 in state rival

Etc

 

[DinkytownDelight]

I get what you’re saying but Iowa currently is 6-4 against a pretty similar schedule

The difference is Mn is 1-1 vs 6-4 Iowa and 7-3 Nebraska
Iowa is 1-1 vs 6-4 Minnesota and 8-2 USC

The next two weeks the schedule is easier for Mn though.

Iowa crushed us (again), lost by 5 to #2 Indiana, and Oregon needed a last second FG to beat them. My point is they at least consistently compete against the top teams and have a chance. We consistently get CRUSHED in those games.

 

[Some guy]

Iowa crushed us (again), lost by 5 to #2 Indiana, and Oregon needed a last second FG to beat them. My point is they at least consistently compete against the top teams and have a chance. We consistently get CRUSHED in those games.

You are correct regarding this year
It’ll be pretty funny if the gophers go 2-0 and Iowa loses to Nebraska though

 

[Random Guy 12]

Iowa crushed us (again), lost by 5 to #2 Indiana, and Oregon needed a last second FG to beat them. My point is they at least consistently compete against the top teams and have a chance. We consistently get CRUSHED in those games.

And both teams have fans that are unhappy with the results. I know quite a few Iowa fans here in southern Mn and I wouldn't say a majority but definitely some of them are ready to push Ferentz out the door ( I think they're silly). I would urge them to look at us and Wisconsin and be very careful what you wish for. Iowa is not some football coaching Utopia where success is guaranteed.