Is it time to plan for next year?

[mcal24]

4 straight losses, only one of which we were favored to win I believe (by just a point). Not like this is an epic collapse. If we lay an egg one if these next two games it might be time to panic. Nebraska last year was in much worse shape than we are this year, they didn't turn out so bad.

 

[Piscator]

Yes, it is time to plan for next year. That means win the next five games and make the NCAA tourney and fill your two open schollies with players that will help build the program. They have only played four of 18 and the upcoming schedule looks very favorable. This team can go on a run - they just need to start playing up to their potential.

 

[bleedsmaroonandgold]

4 straight losses, only one of which we were favored to win I believe (by just a point). Not like this is an epic collapse. If we lay an egg one if these next two games it might be time to panic. Nebraska last year was in much worse shape than we are this year, they didn't turn out so bad.

I thought we were favored in both OSU and Purdue (I might be wrong) and were only one point underdogs to Michigan.

Either way, the issue is not just the overall number of losses (though that's a problem), it is that two of these games should have been in the bag. It gives fans the impression that even when we play well enough to earn a win, we will find some way to throw it away at the end.

 

[mcal24]

I thought we were favored in both OSU and Purdue (I might be wrong) and were only one point underdogs to Michigan.

Either way, the issue is not just the overall number of losses (though that's a problem), it is that two of these games should have been in the bag. It gives fans the impression that even when we play well enough to earn a win, we will find some way to throw it away at the end.

Definitely true, but I'm still keeping faith because of how tough our schedule has been. With 3 seniors in the starting lineup and another off the bench, should be no excuses for blowing 2nd half leads.

And I'm not sure either, but I had seen Purdue favored by a point by at least one book, maybe I'm wrong.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

-1.....talk about demoralizing the individuals, team and program.

How does that demoralize the team? Giving freshmen 10-15 minutes a game while still letting the seniors run the team? Plenty of teams go 10 players deep. Tubby did it with some pretty awful benches.

 

[howeda7]

We only play 8 or 9 guys, there's not much change to be made either way. I wouldn't mind Mason starting for Mathieu, mainly to light a fire under him. And it would be nice if Konate got at least some minutes considering he's our apparent starter next year. Beyond that, just win some $%%^^ games.

 

[EG#9]

I thought we were favored in both OSU and Purdue (I might be wrong) and were only one point underdogs to Michigan.

Either way, the issue is not just the overall number of losses (though that's a problem), it is that two of these games should have been in the bag. It gives fans the impression that even when we play well enough to earn a win, we will find some way to throw it away at the end.

Yes the Gophers were favored over Purdue and Ohio State (both by 1-2 points) and were just one point underdogs to Michigan. Here is the thing though: the Gophers take care of business against Purdue, then they would have been favored by another point or two against Ohio State...win that one and they are probably favorites by a handful over Michigan (probably 1-2 pt favorites if they split Purdue/tOSU). As the season gets more disappointing, the lines will continue to skew towards the opposition. Gophers and Iowa will probably be a 'pick em now when 2-3 weeks ago the Gophers would have been a solid favorite.

I completely agree with your second paragraph. When Andre missed that transition layup that would have put the Gophers up 11 or 12, I jumped out of my chair swearing at the TV. Most fans are able to relax and enjoy a game like today's, Gopher fans are just hoping not to be tortured again.

 

[maxwellsmart]

How does that demoralize the team? Giving freshmen 10-15 minutes a game while still letting the seniors run the team? Plenty of teams go 10 players deep. Tubby did it with some pretty awful benches.

Oh-oh.

 

[bemidjigopher]

Five of our next seven are at home the two road games are Penn state and Nebraska. All seven are winnable. Not saying they will but there's no reason they can't get to 7-4