When I was sitting at the bar last December watching the Gophers put a whooping on Texas Tech (obviously this was the first half of the game) I was telling anyone who would hear me that we could go 8-4 in 2007.
And then with the smirk of Coach Glen Mason as he was walking off the field at halftime it started to all unravel.
The Gophers tanked in the second half.
Coach Mason was fired within hours of the defeat.
A new unproven coaching staff was hired and promised to bring us back to the Rose Bowl.
4 players were kicked off the team amid allegations of sexual misconduct. (I do not fault the coaches for this)
The implementation of a new offensive and new aggressive attitude on defense begins.
And we have a very young team.
On the eve of the first game of Coach Tim Brewster I no longer believe we can go 8-4. I am guessing 5-7, maybe 6-6.
While that prediction may appear to be negative I have not been this excited over a football season in many years. I believe Coach Brewster when he says the team will play hard and will not quit.
No doubt there will be growing pains. No doubt we will lose games we should win. I bet we win one we should lose. Maybe we do better in a Big Ten Conference many think will have a down year.
All I do know is I believe the future of the program is in good and capable hands. We are seeing more people at events, more people talking about the team, and most importantly a new enthusiasm and optimism.
Gopher Nation has been revived, enjoy the ride. Oh, and fasten your seat belt and keep your arms and in legs inside at all times...
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