Big Ten preview: A look at the Minnesota Gophers
Every year, it seems like the University of Minnesota football team is one of the Big Ten's biggest teases.
The Gophers start strong courtesy of a soft non-conference schedule, draw tags such as "intriguing," "promising," and "up and coming," then fall apart once they hit the conference portion of their schedule.
This year?
AnnArbor.com reporters Dave Birkett and Michael Rothstein have their first real disagreement in our series of Big Ten team previews.
One is optimistic that this is the first time the senior-laden Gophers put it together and rise above .500. The other thinks Tim Brewster reminds him more of a car salesman than a football coach and predicts not a whole lot will really change, despite a new home stadium.
Either way, the pair have tabbed Minnesota for a ninth-place finish in the Big Ten. Read on, as Birkett and Rothstein break down the Gophers.
VIDEO: ERIC DECKER HIGHLIGHT REEL
Minnesota receiver Eric Decker could have opted for baseball after being drafted for the second straight year, but he stuck around because he believes in the rise of Minnesota football. The Gophers return a lot of players from last year's team, open up a new stadium and think this is the year they turn it around.
Others disagree. Including our own skeptic, AnnArbor.com reporter Dave Birkett, who thinks the best thing about Minneapolis is still the suites in the City Center Marriott. His counterpart, Michael Rothstein, sounds more upbeat notes in today's edition of "For Argument's Sake."
And finally: unlike one other Big Ten team we all know that shall remain nameless, the Gophers are intent on upgrading their non-conference schedule.
Comments
uminks
Sun, Aug 2, 2009 : 3:46 p.m.
Sonof, I remember that one as well. But at least UM was on the road and it was at the gophers old outdoor stadium in November, it was pretty cold that day...but still no excuse. It was 16-0 if I recall correctly...a shocking blow out! Bo had his problems with MN, Purdue, IA and at times WI. Remember in 1981 we were ranked number one in the country and chocked at Camp Randall in the season opener!
SonofScoot
Sat, Aug 1, 2009 : 7:15 p.m.
uminks How about 1977? M was undefeated and was shut out by bad Minny team 16-0. By the way M went to the Rose Bowl and Bo lost another one.
uminks
Sat, Aug 1, 2009 : 3:57 p.m.
Wow, my memory is failing, it was 1986 when the Gophers upset us!
uminks
Sat, Aug 1, 2009 : 3:51 p.m.
The Gophers problem is they can only recruit 2 star athletes. I think they will be in the bottom half of the big 10. We should keep the the little brown jug this year! Ouch, I still remember the 1987 game when the Gophers came in and upset us with Lou Holtz as coach. UM was either number 1 or 2 in the country and undefeated. Harbaugh was off in that game but at least he guaranteed a victory in Columbus the following week and was able to pull it off. Another close but no cigar for Bo's chances for a NC! I can't believe it was almost 22 years ago!