What grade would you give the Gophers 2024 football season?

[MaxyJR1]

This....I predicted 4 wins and the way things started out...

I was thinking 4 after North Carolina. Here is what google tells me the number was.

BetMGM: 5.5
Caesars: 5.5
FanDuel: 5.5

2.5 over the projection and could have been 5-10.

 

[Go4]

solid b

 

[mngg11]

Unknown QB for the P4 level, unknown DC taking over a defense that was poopy the previous year, unknown at OC considering it wasn't clear whether Harbaugh, PJ, or Kaliakmanis was the problem in 2023 (it was the latter), HC who traditionally opted for a heavily conservative approach to offense and purportedly would overrule the OC in the past on certain calls... All of these things turned out being positives or changes to the norm for the team, and it worked out really, really well. I've said it before and I'll say it again, PJ changed what he believed was his best, and was validated for it. Some tough losses, but all (sans UNC but it was game one) were against teams that could hold their own in what's looking to be the top tier conference in the country with a lot of parity.

 

[Lifeleadership]

I give PJ an A. And I will tell you why.

1. He loosened the offensive reins and opened up the playbook!
2. He hit a home run with his DC hire.
3. He did very well in the portal.

These are moves which will help us going forward. He gets what he needs out of the portal and has a staff kids want to play for.

The biggest thing to do going forward is to keep the staff together and pay them accordingly.

Except whoever coaches Special Teams, that is a big area for improvement.

I would agree with Otis. The Gophers were picked anywhere between 12th and 14th in the Big 10 Preseason polls. I thought they could finish 7-5 and win a bowl game.. They did that but I would give the season a B due to missed opportunities. I do believe Fleck is moving the bar and the next level needs to be about consistency and beating Iowa. We can't continue to have a bad winnable game each season. I now see 8-4 as the floor. Yes, we have a chance to be 9-3 or 10-2 next season.

I am a big Fleck fan. I believe he is the best coach for Minnesota. I think he is doing the right things to get us to the next level. I'm excited for what lies ahead.