Well that was rough.
I'm pretty down about everything Gopher Football right now, though much improved from New Years Eve. I told myself I'd wait awhile before I posted anything.
I'm not mad, more depressed and sad at our lack of big time improvement between the end of the season and the bowl game. It looks like the offseason will be dominated by those obsessed with firing coaches and benching players, instead of talking about football and getting excited about next season. Oh well, I'm still a Gopher fan, and I'm still hoping to talk some football here, though maybe not as often until spring practice.
A few thoughts in that spirit:
-The defense is going to be as good if not better next year. For all the great things Campbell, Tripplett, Lawrence, Brown, Small, Moen, BPT, Sherels, and Mckinley did this year, a BIG thank you!
-There are going to be some big time defensive players around for the next 2-5 years, guys like Cooper, Tinsley, Wilhite, Edwards, Kirksey, Carter etc are going to elevate the defense, I'm more convinced of it now.
-The redshirt record of Brewster is pretty solid if short, he's waited for some guys and its paid off so far. If we can get a similar season to what we saw out of Cooper and Wilhite, out of Garin, Hageman, KGM, Kerry Lewis, Maresh, Jacques, Singleton and Watkins we'll be good to go. JUCO impact of Thorton and C. Lewis similar to Lawrence and BPT 08 would help too.
-Offensively we are not losing anyone, which is good, though I expect many new starters next season. The young guys will need to step out next year for success to occur(obvious)
Mcknight has developed nicely, we have a deep talent pool at receiver, now they need to become consistent and clutch.
-I think we all hope a runningback has a monster offseason and becomes a feature back. Here's to Whaley putting on 15 lbs and maturing a bit. However, the #1 offensive issue is Oline, and will continue to be until we are able to plow the road for once. If Olson and Michel are close to competing for jobs, I hope they get the start. It's time for the team to act like they are from the Big Ten, that means lining up and pounding to ball once in awhile and physically beating non-conference opponents.
I'd love an opening drive against MTSU consisting of 15 inside runs for a touchdown, that type of running game should be the goal.
-I truly hope the team has a sour taste and it drives them all offseason, including coaches and backups. You have to believe Gray will take out his fumble frustration in the weight room, that's easy. The true test for all these coaches and young players is whether they develop mentally and mature emotionally. That means penalties and mental mistakes become rare, and clockworklike routes/blocks/reads etc become commonplace.
-I'm looking for 2 more tickets to add to my 4 and have 4-8 people who hope to buy season tickets next year too. Anyone jumping ship now hopefully you won't, but if you must then jump. I can't express my personal disdain for fairweather fans. Right now it hurts like hell, but come september I hope everyone packs TCF and cheers on our team.
I'll be the one in 231 screaming my guts out.
Go Gophers.
I'm pretty down about everything Gopher Football right now, though much improved from New Years Eve. I told myself I'd wait awhile before I posted anything.
I'm not mad, more depressed and sad at our lack of big time improvement between the end of the season and the bowl game. It looks like the offseason will be dominated by those obsessed with firing coaches and benching players, instead of talking about football and getting excited about next season. Oh well, I'm still a Gopher fan, and I'm still hoping to talk some football here, though maybe not as often until spring practice.
A few thoughts in that spirit:
-The defense is going to be as good if not better next year. For all the great things Campbell, Tripplett, Lawrence, Brown, Small, Moen, BPT, Sherels, and Mckinley did this year, a BIG thank you!
-There are going to be some big time defensive players around for the next 2-5 years, guys like Cooper, Tinsley, Wilhite, Edwards, Kirksey, Carter etc are going to elevate the defense, I'm more convinced of it now.
-The redshirt record of Brewster is pretty solid if short, he's waited for some guys and its paid off so far. If we can get a similar season to what we saw out of Cooper and Wilhite, out of Garin, Hageman, KGM, Kerry Lewis, Maresh, Jacques, Singleton and Watkins we'll be good to go. JUCO impact of Thorton and C. Lewis similar to Lawrence and BPT 08 would help too.
-Offensively we are not losing anyone, which is good, though I expect many new starters next season. The young guys will need to step out next year for success to occur(obvious)
Mcknight has developed nicely, we have a deep talent pool at receiver, now they need to become consistent and clutch.
-I think we all hope a runningback has a monster offseason and becomes a feature back. Here's to Whaley putting on 15 lbs and maturing a bit. However, the #1 offensive issue is Oline, and will continue to be until we are able to plow the road for once. If Olson and Michel are close to competing for jobs, I hope they get the start. It's time for the team to act like they are from the Big Ten, that means lining up and pounding to ball once in awhile and physically beating non-conference opponents.
I'd love an opening drive against MTSU consisting of 15 inside runs for a touchdown, that type of running game should be the goal.
-I truly hope the team has a sour taste and it drives them all offseason, including coaches and backups. You have to believe Gray will take out his fumble frustration in the weight room, that's easy. The true test for all these coaches and young players is whether they develop mentally and mature emotionally. That means penalties and mental mistakes become rare, and clockworklike routes/blocks/reads etc become commonplace.
-I'm looking for 2 more tickets to add to my 4 and have 4-8 people who hope to buy season tickets next year too. Anyone jumping ship now hopefully you won't, but if you must then jump. I can't express my personal disdain for fairweather fans. Right now it hurts like hell, but come september I hope everyone packs TCF and cheers on our team.
I'll be the one in 231 screaming my guts out.
Go Gophers.