It's official - the Spring Game will be held APRIL 25th, the same Saturday as the DRAFT. I'm not sure if they are still thinking about doing the Friday night thing that was talked about last year for the DRAFT, but it is slated for APR 25-26 on ESPN.com right now.
We'll see how the times work out, but this looks like a fun APRIL FOOTBALL WEEKEND.
Maybe it will be golfable this year...or I suppose the Bowling is always an option again.
We'll discuss more as we go along, but I just wanted everyone to mark their calendars now.
Also - not sure on the location for the Spring Game, but it won't be the dome. I've heard many things thrown out there from St. Thomas, to Mankato, St. Cloud, Minnetonka HS...who knows. But it should be a fun time.
More to come - later guys.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
2008 Gophers Review
Since we are less than a week away from signing day 2009 and the official start of the 2009 "season", I figured I would throw out a Gopher review from the 2008 campaign. I'll run through last year's recruits, what we saw and what we didn't. As well as some telling stats and the ever important gambling trends for our beloved Rodents.
First, let's go back to FEB 2008 and the first full class for Timmy B. I'm going player by player, so buckle up:
(Based on Rivals Rankings our best to worst)
QB MarQuies Gray
He's in school and will practice this Spring. Regardless of what our future offense looks like, I have to believe this is our guy. I bet he'll see time this year on occasion, and he'll be even more integrated for next year...if not starting.
DB/LB Keanon Cooper
Redshirted last year - will likely play a lot this year and step in for Lawrence in that spot in 2010. Should be a big-timer for us.
WR Brandon Green
Finally got some time later in the year and showed some brilliance. This guy will be a mainstay in the lineup for the next 3 years.
WR Vincent Hill
Didn't qualify - tard - went to Temple I think.
LB Sam Maresh
Medical reshirt. Will play this Spring and start at MLB for the next 4 years. I'm shopping for my #17 jersey already, this guy could be a ton of fun to watch.
WR David Pittman
Converted to WR from QB at JUCO...finally got healthy toward end of season. Only thing I remeber about him is play#1 from the bowl game when he threw it to Decker. I gotta believe this guy will see a lot of time this year at the WR spot and have much more of the offense designed for him like in the Bowl Game.
CB Traye Simmons
Nice year. I think he lived up to the hype. He played really well throughout most of the year and recieved some post-season recognition. Should step it up even more this year and become a potential draft pick.
DT Jewhan Edwards
Played quite a bit in his 1st year - we have 4 other soon to be Seniors at this spot, so playing time and epxerience will be criritcal for him in 2010, when he and Kirksey will likely be the guys. 8 tackles and a sack, not bad for a Fr.
LB Spencer Reeves
The 3rd and final member of the class that didn't play last year but is in school for Spring. He is supposed to be a legit LB with 4.5 speed and decent size. Could get a chance to start immediately if he performs well this Spring.
WR Broderick Smith
Caught the TD vs. Becky, only ended up with 50 yards all year. Not the fastest guy, but at 6'3" he definitely has some potential for this year and beyond.
RB Kevin Whaley
He was the most highly touted RB of the class, but suffered a gunshot wound in WV before school started so he redshirted. I think he'll get a serious look this year in Spring and might be #1 or #2 on the depth chart come fall. I think he offers more than Salamon and Eskridge.
S Tramaine Brock
Started every game - looked pretty solid as a S. He has left school, although it sounds like he may be coming back? Lots of questions around this dude right now, so I don't think he can be counted on for 2009.
TE Eric Lair
Played exclusively on SpT, needs to add some stength to be a legit TE, but will get a look there this year with Simmons leaving and the only other depth coming from the new freshmen.
LB Simoni Lawrence
love this guy. Lots of huge hits and big plays out of Lawrence last year - he'll be our only returning starter at LB this year, and should be a monster.
LB Rex Sharpe
Not sure what happened to this guy. In Spring and early Fall he was projected as an impact player and starter at LB, he played in 11 games and had 3 tackles - but was almost exclusively on SpT. Maybe he'll get another shot this year, but it's tough to believe a JUCO will do nothing in year one and then all of a sudden become a player in year 2.
DE Terrell Combs
Thought he redshirted, but he's listed as a sophomore. Whatever. He appears to be a great athlete and hopefully he's put on a little size and can compete for a DE spot this season. We'll need someone to replace Willie.
DB Tim Dandrige
Played on SpT this year, but might get a look at CB or S this season. at 6-1 175 he might be a nice fit at S...we'll see. Appears to have all the tools to contribute, and with our lack of secondary depth, he should get a look.
RB Deleon Eskridge
Played alot more than epxected last year. I don't care for him, his running style is kind of pansy-like. Goes down too easily. That could change with a semester and summer in the weight room, so i won't write him off just yet. But with the added depth at RB with Bennett, Whaley, and possibly 2 good Freshmen coming in - he'll be fighting for PT.
DT Brandon Kirksey
8 tackles and 2 sacks in his first year. Looks to be a real-deal player who showed some flashes in year 1. He and Edwards need to get experience and get stronger so they're ready to go in 2010.
DE Cedric McKinley
played great in the bowl game, but I can't remeber noticing him throughout the regular season. He will surely get a shot at becoming the new Willie this year.
RB Shady Salamon
I liked him when he played - but I doubt he'll be much more than a backup on this team in the coming years.
DB Troy Stoudermire
Did a nice job for the most part on KR, but didn't see a lot of time in the secondary. Moved to WR for a while, not sure if that will be permanent. You have to love the speed and elusiveness, but not sure where he'll play. Bold prediction #1 - he will house a kick-off this year.
LB Gary Tinsley
redshirt - didn't play. looks like a SPT and career backup at this point, but you never know...only a RFR.
DE D.L. Wilhite
Another guy looking to learn the DE spot - great athlete who needed to get bigger and stronger. should be in the mix at the open DE spots on this club.
WR Xzavian Brandon
I think he redshirted - career backup is the likely path for this fella.
LB Ryan Grant
Bud's grandson - reshirted - can't see him being a significant player, but he's got a nice legacy and might get a chance.
QB John Nance
Reshirted - might need 4 more redshirt years before he'll have a shot at seeing the field as a QB.
WR Dajon McKnight
Caught a TD vs. the Buckeyes for the late cover, but didn't do much else. Will provide some depth at WR.
DB Johnny Johnson
Tiny dude - didn't play much, but with our lack of secondary depth he might get a look.
There you go. By my count 9 of these guys contributed a lot last season, and another handful played roles on SPT. Plus we were missing arguably our 2 biggest recruits from the entire class with Maresh and Gray...so better things are yet to come.
STATS
So we only scored 23.2 ppg. not enough to be a great team. We only gave up 24.8, which is a giant improvement, but could still be better.
We were outrushed 103-143 on average per game...this won't happen again this year. Our running game will return to prominance.
Still allowed 240 ypg through the air while only throwing for 219.
4.9 ypp while giving up 5.7 ypp - this defintely needs to be under 5 to be even considered as a solid defense.
24 yards per KR - Stourdermire could be in for some big things if he continues to progress at this. We need to find a good 2nd guy though since Jay Thomas can't run anymore.
PENALTIES! we committed 83 for 695 yards while opponents only had 55 for 435 yards. Ridiculous. So many stupid personal fouls, illegal formations, false starts. This is one thing that MUST improve if we expect to go anywhere next January. You can't give up an extra 20 yards per game in penalties vs. your opponents.
Weird stat - we averaged 30 min per game in time of possession - we had it exactly 1/2 the game. weird, huh?
Sacks - we got to them 34 times, but they got us 30 times. Much better than 2007, but a huge decrease for our o-Line. That needs to get better.
FG - 12/16, XP 34-36 - not bad for Monroe. Do you ever think we'll have a year without missing multiple XP's?! or god forbid making all of them?!
We gave up 108 points in Q2 - by far our worst. We were outscored in every quarter this year except for the 4th, where we were +10.
GAMBLING NOTES
We went 7-5, and we went 7-5 ATS...we started 6-1 in both respects. The end of the season was obviously a huge disappointment, but look at what we did accomplish. At the beginning of the year we all thought 6 wins would be a ceiling for our club...well, we got 7. We got to a bowl game, and we kissed the dome goodbye in style with a 0-55 laugher in the wrong direction. It was a fitting way to end the dome madness. I really feel like it's a brand new team with a clean slate this season and beyond. We've recruited well again (giant recap on that coming next week), and we've got a lot of experience returning. We were playing a ton of FR and SO last season, so that can only help us for the next 2 years.
OFFENSE
We avg. 17 ppg in B10 play last year...defintiely not enough to get it done. We couldn't run it, and our passing game had gone stale. What do we do - bring in a big time OL coach/run game coordinator to fix that side, and fire Dunbar and replace him with a young energetic Jedd Fisch, who seems to be one of those wunderkind never-heard-of-ya kind of hires that might do some great things for this team. Weber is back, and we have Gray and Alipate there right behind him - loaded at QB. I still think Weber is the guy, but Gray will see time this year and might have a shot at being the guy next season. RB should be drastically improved with Bennett coming back healthy and Whaley as well as having Eskridge and Salamon for depth. Not to mention the stud freshman coming in named Hasaan Lipscomb who might push Bennett for time. The WR's are also loaded. We have Decker back again and Green as our 2 main weapons. Then add in McKnight, Kuznia, Pittman, Smith, and a couple of new guys who I'm VERY excited about and this might be the deepest position on our team outside of QB. Hayo Carpenter, a JUCO, is a legit 4star or maybe 5star prospect who will get a lot of time from day one. Also Bryant Allen is one of those guys in the Macklin/Harvin mold that will likely see lots of action next year - I think he'll be what they tried to make Stoudermire into last year. At TE, we lose Simmmons but return everyone else. Plus we have 2 big-time TE recruits coming in to compete as well. OL will be a mystery until we see them play, but it has to be better. New, better coach. New, better scheme. New, better talent and some experience from last year for the returners. Matt Carufel will start - the ND transfer is our best OLman. It sounds as if early signee Jeff Wills at 6'7" 350 lbs will also start at OT. lots of guys to choose from - let hope we find something that works early on and are able to stick with it.
DEFENSE
The DL has some questions. Willie is gone. But McKinley appears to be a legit threat to start. Anthony Jacobs is the penciled in starter on the other end right now - he was a 4 star recruit a couple of years back and is only a SOPH for 2009. Combs, Wilhite, Henderson, Onwuachi all have a chance to make it as well. Garin will likely red-shirt, but you never know. LB should be strong, possibly even better than before despite losing 2 of 3 starters. Cooper, Lawrence, Maresh sound lethal to me. Campbell will still play plenty in the middle, Sharpe might re-appear, Triplett sucks. Our DB might be the biggest question. BPT will be at one corner and Sherals should be back at the other spot. But it's a mystery as to what's behind them. Collado, Dandrige, Stoudermire? Yikes. At safety, I think Royston will step in for Brock, and sadly Theret will probably take the other spot. A couple of true freshman are coming in with some clout, but hard to say they'll be ready to go from day 1. No depth here either besides freshman.
K/P
Ellestad might finally get the K job - we recruited Orseske for this upcoming class, but he sounds like more of a P. Not many other options here.
Overall - 2009 is going to be the most fun season of Gopher Football to date...even if we're 0-12.
My NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING BOOK is starting to take shape. I've come up with some pretty solid ideas and am still working out some of the kinks. It will be a work in process until i share it on here probably this summer. I think that's all I got - watching a little WOOFIES-PISTONS tonight in a pick'em...wow, MN-DET is a pick'em.
Hope everything is good with everyone - later.
First, let's go back to FEB 2008 and the first full class for Timmy B. I'm going player by player, so buckle up:
(Based on Rivals Rankings our best to worst)
QB MarQuies Gray
He's in school and will practice this Spring. Regardless of what our future offense looks like, I have to believe this is our guy. I bet he'll see time this year on occasion, and he'll be even more integrated for next year...if not starting.
DB/LB Keanon Cooper
Redshirted last year - will likely play a lot this year and step in for Lawrence in that spot in 2010. Should be a big-timer for us.
WR Brandon Green
Finally got some time later in the year and showed some brilliance. This guy will be a mainstay in the lineup for the next 3 years.
WR Vincent Hill
Didn't qualify - tard - went to Temple I think.
LB Sam Maresh
Medical reshirt. Will play this Spring and start at MLB for the next 4 years. I'm shopping for my #17 jersey already, this guy could be a ton of fun to watch.
WR David Pittman
Converted to WR from QB at JUCO...finally got healthy toward end of season. Only thing I remeber about him is play#1 from the bowl game when he threw it to Decker. I gotta believe this guy will see a lot of time this year at the WR spot and have much more of the offense designed for him like in the Bowl Game.
CB Traye Simmons
Nice year. I think he lived up to the hype. He played really well throughout most of the year and recieved some post-season recognition. Should step it up even more this year and become a potential draft pick.
DT Jewhan Edwards
Played quite a bit in his 1st year - we have 4 other soon to be Seniors at this spot, so playing time and epxerience will be criritcal for him in 2010, when he and Kirksey will likely be the guys. 8 tackles and a sack, not bad for a Fr.
LB Spencer Reeves
The 3rd and final member of the class that didn't play last year but is in school for Spring. He is supposed to be a legit LB with 4.5 speed and decent size. Could get a chance to start immediately if he performs well this Spring.
WR Broderick Smith
Caught the TD vs. Becky, only ended up with 50 yards all year. Not the fastest guy, but at 6'3" he definitely has some potential for this year and beyond.
RB Kevin Whaley
He was the most highly touted RB of the class, but suffered a gunshot wound in WV before school started so he redshirted. I think he'll get a serious look this year in Spring and might be #1 or #2 on the depth chart come fall. I think he offers more than Salamon and Eskridge.
S Tramaine Brock
Started every game - looked pretty solid as a S. He has left school, although it sounds like he may be coming back? Lots of questions around this dude right now, so I don't think he can be counted on for 2009.
TE Eric Lair
Played exclusively on SpT, needs to add some stength to be a legit TE, but will get a look there this year with Simmons leaving and the only other depth coming from the new freshmen.
LB Simoni Lawrence
love this guy. Lots of huge hits and big plays out of Lawrence last year - he'll be our only returning starter at LB this year, and should be a monster.
LB Rex Sharpe
Not sure what happened to this guy. In Spring and early Fall he was projected as an impact player and starter at LB, he played in 11 games and had 3 tackles - but was almost exclusively on SpT. Maybe he'll get another shot this year, but it's tough to believe a JUCO will do nothing in year one and then all of a sudden become a player in year 2.
DE Terrell Combs
Thought he redshirted, but he's listed as a sophomore. Whatever. He appears to be a great athlete and hopefully he's put on a little size and can compete for a DE spot this season. We'll need someone to replace Willie.
DB Tim Dandrige
Played on SpT this year, but might get a look at CB or S this season. at 6-1 175 he might be a nice fit at S...we'll see. Appears to have all the tools to contribute, and with our lack of secondary depth, he should get a look.
RB Deleon Eskridge
Played alot more than epxected last year. I don't care for him, his running style is kind of pansy-like. Goes down too easily. That could change with a semester and summer in the weight room, so i won't write him off just yet. But with the added depth at RB with Bennett, Whaley, and possibly 2 good Freshmen coming in - he'll be fighting for PT.
DT Brandon Kirksey
8 tackles and 2 sacks in his first year. Looks to be a real-deal player who showed some flashes in year 1. He and Edwards need to get experience and get stronger so they're ready to go in 2010.
DE Cedric McKinley
played great in the bowl game, but I can't remeber noticing him throughout the regular season. He will surely get a shot at becoming the new Willie this year.
RB Shady Salamon
I liked him when he played - but I doubt he'll be much more than a backup on this team in the coming years.
DB Troy Stoudermire
Did a nice job for the most part on KR, but didn't see a lot of time in the secondary. Moved to WR for a while, not sure if that will be permanent. You have to love the speed and elusiveness, but not sure where he'll play. Bold prediction #1 - he will house a kick-off this year.
LB Gary Tinsley
redshirt - didn't play. looks like a SPT and career backup at this point, but you never know...only a RFR.
DE D.L. Wilhite
Another guy looking to learn the DE spot - great athlete who needed to get bigger and stronger. should be in the mix at the open DE spots on this club.
WR Xzavian Brandon
I think he redshirted - career backup is the likely path for this fella.
LB Ryan Grant
Bud's grandson - reshirted - can't see him being a significant player, but he's got a nice legacy and might get a chance.
QB John Nance
Reshirted - might need 4 more redshirt years before he'll have a shot at seeing the field as a QB.
WR Dajon McKnight
Caught a TD vs. the Buckeyes for the late cover, but didn't do much else. Will provide some depth at WR.
DB Johnny Johnson
Tiny dude - didn't play much, but with our lack of secondary depth he might get a look.
There you go. By my count 9 of these guys contributed a lot last season, and another handful played roles on SPT. Plus we were missing arguably our 2 biggest recruits from the entire class with Maresh and Gray...so better things are yet to come.
STATS
So we only scored 23.2 ppg. not enough to be a great team. We only gave up 24.8, which is a giant improvement, but could still be better.
We were outrushed 103-143 on average per game...this won't happen again this year. Our running game will return to prominance.
Still allowed 240 ypg through the air while only throwing for 219.
4.9 ypp while giving up 5.7 ypp - this defintely needs to be under 5 to be even considered as a solid defense.
24 yards per KR - Stourdermire could be in for some big things if he continues to progress at this. We need to find a good 2nd guy though since Jay Thomas can't run anymore.
PENALTIES! we committed 83 for 695 yards while opponents only had 55 for 435 yards. Ridiculous. So many stupid personal fouls, illegal formations, false starts. This is one thing that MUST improve if we expect to go anywhere next January. You can't give up an extra 20 yards per game in penalties vs. your opponents.
Weird stat - we averaged 30 min per game in time of possession - we had it exactly 1/2 the game. weird, huh?
Sacks - we got to them 34 times, but they got us 30 times. Much better than 2007, but a huge decrease for our o-Line. That needs to get better.
FG - 12/16, XP 34-36 - not bad for Monroe. Do you ever think we'll have a year without missing multiple XP's?! or god forbid making all of them?!
We gave up 108 points in Q2 - by far our worst. We were outscored in every quarter this year except for the 4th, where we were +10.
GAMBLING NOTES
We went 7-5, and we went 7-5 ATS...we started 6-1 in both respects. The end of the season was obviously a huge disappointment, but look at what we did accomplish. At the beginning of the year we all thought 6 wins would be a ceiling for our club...well, we got 7. We got to a bowl game, and we kissed the dome goodbye in style with a 0-55 laugher in the wrong direction. It was a fitting way to end the dome madness. I really feel like it's a brand new team with a clean slate this season and beyond. We've recruited well again (giant recap on that coming next week), and we've got a lot of experience returning. We were playing a ton of FR and SO last season, so that can only help us for the next 2 years.
OFFENSE
We avg. 17 ppg in B10 play last year...defintiely not enough to get it done. We couldn't run it, and our passing game had gone stale. What do we do - bring in a big time OL coach/run game coordinator to fix that side, and fire Dunbar and replace him with a young energetic Jedd Fisch, who seems to be one of those wunderkind never-heard-of-ya kind of hires that might do some great things for this team. Weber is back, and we have Gray and Alipate there right behind him - loaded at QB. I still think Weber is the guy, but Gray will see time this year and might have a shot at being the guy next season. RB should be drastically improved with Bennett coming back healthy and Whaley as well as having Eskridge and Salamon for depth. Not to mention the stud freshman coming in named Hasaan Lipscomb who might push Bennett for time. The WR's are also loaded. We have Decker back again and Green as our 2 main weapons. Then add in McKnight, Kuznia, Pittman, Smith, and a couple of new guys who I'm VERY excited about and this might be the deepest position on our team outside of QB. Hayo Carpenter, a JUCO, is a legit 4star or maybe 5star prospect who will get a lot of time from day one. Also Bryant Allen is one of those guys in the Macklin/Harvin mold that will likely see lots of action next year - I think he'll be what they tried to make Stoudermire into last year. At TE, we lose Simmmons but return everyone else. Plus we have 2 big-time TE recruits coming in to compete as well. OL will be a mystery until we see them play, but it has to be better. New, better coach. New, better scheme. New, better talent and some experience from last year for the returners. Matt Carufel will start - the ND transfer is our best OLman. It sounds as if early signee Jeff Wills at 6'7" 350 lbs will also start at OT. lots of guys to choose from - let hope we find something that works early on and are able to stick with it.
DEFENSE
The DL has some questions. Willie is gone. But McKinley appears to be a legit threat to start. Anthony Jacobs is the penciled in starter on the other end right now - he was a 4 star recruit a couple of years back and is only a SOPH for 2009. Combs, Wilhite, Henderson, Onwuachi all have a chance to make it as well. Garin will likely red-shirt, but you never know. LB should be strong, possibly even better than before despite losing 2 of 3 starters. Cooper, Lawrence, Maresh sound lethal to me. Campbell will still play plenty in the middle, Sharpe might re-appear, Triplett sucks. Our DB might be the biggest question. BPT will be at one corner and Sherals should be back at the other spot. But it's a mystery as to what's behind them. Collado, Dandrige, Stoudermire? Yikes. At safety, I think Royston will step in for Brock, and sadly Theret will probably take the other spot. A couple of true freshman are coming in with some clout, but hard to say they'll be ready to go from day 1. No depth here either besides freshman.
K/P
Ellestad might finally get the K job - we recruited Orseske for this upcoming class, but he sounds like more of a P. Not many other options here.
Overall - 2009 is going to be the most fun season of Gopher Football to date...even if we're 0-12.
My NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING BOOK is starting to take shape. I've come up with some pretty solid ideas and am still working out some of the kinks. It will be a work in process until i share it on here probably this summer. I think that's all I got - watching a little WOOFIES-PISTONS tonight in a pick'em...wow, MN-DET is a pick'em.
Hope everything is good with everyone - later.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Quick Update
Hey Guys -
So Week 1 of the Hoops challenge is complete, but 1/2 of our players didn't submit picks for week 2...that tells me that this bit is maybe not very cool, so we can stop if you want. This week is out for sure, because I'm guessing JG will not be shipping his picks in from sunny Jamaica. No worries - let's just watch and enjoy and we'll have a tourney pick'em...assuming I'm not in the hospital for a couple of days right around selection sunday with my wife and son....we'll see.
In other news, it's -4 here today...probably about the same in Jamaica I suppose.
One week left until signing day on FEB 4th. I got a notice in the mail of a little get together they are having at the alumni center that evening. I probably won't go, but if someone else is interested I could probably be talked into it. Just not one of those things I would hit by myself, you know.
Best thing to watch right now - your Minnesota Timberwolves. I'm usually not a huge NBA guy, but these games have become can't miss tv lately. Seriously, I'm planning my evenings around watching the Wolves...write that one down. Jefferson is unreal, and Foye looks like he might be a player in this league. What the hell with Rodney Carney? He was total under the radar throw in guy in a late season trade, and now is a 10-5 guy off the bench every night who provides huge energy and plays great D. He is what I think they hoped Brewer would be. Anyway, good times.
Not much else happening right now - just thought I'd shoot out a quick note this morning to touch base with everyone. Hopefully we'll have some fun recruiting news to report over the next 5-10 days before signing day.
Later.
So Week 1 of the Hoops challenge is complete, but 1/2 of our players didn't submit picks for week 2...that tells me that this bit is maybe not very cool, so we can stop if you want. This week is out for sure, because I'm guessing JG will not be shipping his picks in from sunny Jamaica. No worries - let's just watch and enjoy and we'll have a tourney pick'em...assuming I'm not in the hospital for a couple of days right around selection sunday with my wife and son....we'll see.
In other news, it's -4 here today...probably about the same in Jamaica I suppose.
One week left until signing day on FEB 4th. I got a notice in the mail of a little get together they are having at the alumni center that evening. I probably won't go, but if someone else is interested I could probably be talked into it. Just not one of those things I would hit by myself, you know.
Best thing to watch right now - your Minnesota Timberwolves. I'm usually not a huge NBA guy, but these games have become can't miss tv lately. Seriously, I'm planning my evenings around watching the Wolves...write that one down. Jefferson is unreal, and Foye looks like he might be a player in this league. What the hell with Rodney Carney? He was total under the radar throw in guy in a late season trade, and now is a 10-5 guy off the bench every night who provides huge energy and plays great D. He is what I think they hoped Brewer would be. Anyway, good times.
Not much else happening right now - just thought I'd shoot out a quick note this morning to touch base with everyone. Hopefully we'll have some fun recruiting news to report over the next 5-10 days before signing day.
Later.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Gopher Schedule Changes & Hoops Update
It's official...USC at GOPHERS 2010. The funny thing is, I'm not sure if I'm more excited about this game or the fact that the fun little club from out West (NDSU) will be coming back to TCF for a rematch the following year in 2011. I really hope we win 200-0 on that Saturday in 2011. You bet your a$$ I'll be there more than willing to tell all of those "faithful" NDSU fans how much they suck.
Also, the at VEGAS game was moved from 2010 to 2012 season opener...even better probably for trip planning purposes. College football week 1 in Vegas 2012?!? Yes.
How F'ing cool is it to get a home and home with USC...i love it. I don't care if it's 55-10, what a fun game to look forward to. Probably better than the home and homes we used to do with FLA ATL, TOLEDO, etc.
One other Gopher note - the Spring game is sneaking up on us...sometime in APR, with no official date announced yet. I'm in if you guys are...we'll discuss as we get closer.
My pre-season favorite for "prepostorous statement of the year 2009" is this gem from Jim Peterson during the Wolves-Suns game:
"The Suns acquired Shaq because of Al Jefferson."
Yep - they plan their transactions around a 10-12th place team from the western conference...nice call Jim.
COLLEGE HOOPS
So the Gophs proved they're not quite ready for primetime yet against PUR last night. PUR is really good, and it should be a nice fight between them and MSU for the title this year. Our offense just gets so stagnant at some points, while PUR just kept making shots and getting good looks. Their defense is incredible too - maybe a sleeper club come March.
As far as the contest goes, here's how we currently sit:
JR: 40
JG: 37
MK: 34
MR: 30
But there are 3 games left, of which 3 of us agree on all 3, but JG has a couple of odd picks. He really likes ND for 6 over UCONN and LSU for 5 over Xavier.
I have no chance of winning with only 6 possible points left. MR has 22 left, MK has 17, and JG has 15.
What do I need to win?
JR - no chance
MR - hits all 3 and he wins...if Xavier loses, he can't win
MK - UCONN and Xavier win and WIS lose
JG - ND and ILL wins = championship
There's probably more scenarios, but I can't figure them all out.
If I don't talk to you two, have a great time in Jamaica! I'll be expecting some seriously hammered texts/calls if you're able.
Done.
Also, the at VEGAS game was moved from 2010 to 2012 season opener...even better probably for trip planning purposes. College football week 1 in Vegas 2012?!? Yes.
How F'ing cool is it to get a home and home with USC...i love it. I don't care if it's 55-10, what a fun game to look forward to. Probably better than the home and homes we used to do with FLA ATL, TOLEDO, etc.
One other Gopher note - the Spring game is sneaking up on us...sometime in APR, with no official date announced yet. I'm in if you guys are...we'll discuss as we get closer.
My pre-season favorite for "prepostorous statement of the year 2009" is this gem from Jim Peterson during the Wolves-Suns game:
"The Suns acquired Shaq because of Al Jefferson."
Yep - they plan their transactions around a 10-12th place team from the western conference...nice call Jim.
COLLEGE HOOPS
So the Gophs proved they're not quite ready for primetime yet against PUR last night. PUR is really good, and it should be a nice fight between them and MSU for the title this year. Our offense just gets so stagnant at some points, while PUR just kept making shots and getting good looks. Their defense is incredible too - maybe a sleeper club come March.
As far as the contest goes, here's how we currently sit:
JR: 40
JG: 37
MK: 34
MR: 30
But there are 3 games left, of which 3 of us agree on all 3, but JG has a couple of odd picks. He really likes ND for 6 over UCONN and LSU for 5 over Xavier.
I have no chance of winning with only 6 possible points left. MR has 22 left, MK has 17, and JG has 15.
What do I need to win?
JR - no chance
MR - hits all 3 and he wins...if Xavier loses, he can't win
MK - UCONN and Xavier win and WIS lose
JG - ND and ILL wins = championship
There's probably more scenarios, but I can't figure them all out.
If I don't talk to you two, have a great time in Jamaica! I'll be expecting some seriously hammered texts/calls if you're able.
Done.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
2010 Recruit locked up - Hoops Update
Brew & Co. arew wasting no time on bringing in a nice class for 2010. Today we got a commitment from the top player in all of Beckyville...a 6'3" LB Conrad Zagbedski or something like that. All indications are that this guy was the #1 player in the state and had interest from the entire B10 and ND already. Gotta love the border battle going our way for a change on the recruiting front.
Apparently, Tremaine Brock is gonzo...flunked out or something. Whatever, I'm not a big fan of focusing on shit like this. If you can't even pass, well...see ya.
College Hoops challenge only has one game on tap tonight...GOPHS-BOILERS.
We've all missed one game so far, it costs me 4 points - the most of anyone. But I have 5 on the GOPHS tonight, the rest have 1...JG even put his one on the BOILERS.
After tonight, we have 3 Saturday games left for week 1 of the challenge, I'll send an update out tomorrow with what to watch for on Saturday.
I got the call from Greg today about a potential road trip in 2010...GOPHERS v. UNLV in Vegas in September. I think that sounds like a plan...we might actually have back to back west coast trips with Vegas and USC on consecutive weekends.
Now for my waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy too early Gopher prediction for next season:
BEST CASE: 7-5 again, brutal schedule
WORST CASE: 4-8
Might not look that optimistic, but I think we'll be a better team...however, the schedule looks a lot tougher on paper right now, and we'll still be building for 2010 and the big Rose Bowl run!!
BTW - the more I read about Jedd Fisch, the more I like. We're not running the spread, the west coast offense, the east coast offense, the run n shoot - we're running the GOPHER ATTACKING OFFENSE and we're going to score TD's! This is just a paraphrase, but that's the kind of attitude I like. It seems like Dunbar was so locked into his little scheme that he forgot about making adjustments and scoring TD's. Let's hope young Jedd provides some enthusiasm and some creativity to a team that should be loaded with some playmakers for next season. I only hope Mr. Cosgrove and the defense pick things up a bit so we don't end up in a Mason/Wacker type of situation again.
Party on party people.
Apparently, Tremaine Brock is gonzo...flunked out or something. Whatever, I'm not a big fan of focusing on shit like this. If you can't even pass, well...see ya.
College Hoops challenge only has one game on tap tonight...GOPHS-BOILERS.
We've all missed one game so far, it costs me 4 points - the most of anyone. But I have 5 on the GOPHS tonight, the rest have 1...JG even put his one on the BOILERS.
After tonight, we have 3 Saturday games left for week 1 of the challenge, I'll send an update out tomorrow with what to watch for on Saturday.
I got the call from Greg today about a potential road trip in 2010...GOPHERS v. UNLV in Vegas in September. I think that sounds like a plan...we might actually have back to back west coast trips with Vegas and USC on consecutive weekends.
Now for my waaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy too early Gopher prediction for next season:
BEST CASE: 7-5 again, brutal schedule
WORST CASE: 4-8
Might not look that optimistic, but I think we'll be a better team...however, the schedule looks a lot tougher on paper right now, and we'll still be building for 2010 and the big Rose Bowl run!!
BTW - the more I read about Jedd Fisch, the more I like. We're not running the spread, the west coast offense, the east coast offense, the run n shoot - we're running the GOPHER ATTACKING OFFENSE and we're going to score TD's! This is just a paraphrase, but that's the kind of attitude I like. It seems like Dunbar was so locked into his little scheme that he forgot about making adjustments and scoring TD's. Let's hope young Jedd provides some enthusiasm and some creativity to a team that should be loaded with some playmakers for next season. I only hope Mr. Cosgrove and the defense pick things up a bit so we don't end up in a Mason/Wacker type of situation again.
Party on party people.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Random Thoughts
So, I'm a little bored at work...here we go.
1. JEDD FISCH
I guess this is the 99% sure new OC for the Gophers. I like the hire, not that I'm claiming to know a ton about this guy, but he's a fresh new face with some good experience and what sounds like some creative ideas. I like this much better than some retread from another school...if Shanahan recommends the guy, he's probably got a chance. How fun would it be to come out in 2009 and see the Gophers score about 30+ on a weekly basis?!? I think the weapons will be there to make some good things happen on offense. They needed to make changes, and I think they've gone the right direction. Adding Davis as a running game coordinator should address that issue - as well as getting a couple of new big-time tackles and a deep healthy stable of good RB's. The passing offense needed a spark, so hopefully Fisch will be that spark. Taking more shots down field, actually trying to get big plays and gain more than 5-8 yards with each completion would be a start. Also taking advantage of some of the diversity they have, like we saw early in the Bowl game with KAN...lots of new speed and size to work with so I think things will defintiely be better. The OL will be more experienced and have some better players, so that is where it all needs to start. I'm hoping to see some major improvements by the Spring Game.
2. BIG 10...SHOULD ADD ANOTHER?
This topic has come up numerous times ever since Penn State joined back in 1994 (i think). The obvious choice is ND, but I don't see them ever agreeing to this. I would love to add a 12th team and create an SEC/B12 type situation with divisions and championship games. Other options include: PITT, CIN, any MAC school...
For simplicity, I'll use ND (although I think this is very unlikely)...here's what we'd be looking at:
For the GOPHERS, you'd have to keep IOWA, WIS, and probably MICH/MSU in a North Division
In the South, OSU, IND, PUR, ILL, NW, ND...which would leave PSU in the North I guess.
The purists would say, but what about the MICH:OHIOST rivalry, how could you ensure it without being in the same division. Each team could have 5 inter-division games, then 3 out of division games. One of those could be with a "rival" every year.
Just a thought, I'd love to see it, but I don't expect it anytime soon.
3. BIG BOOK OF NCAA BETTING RULES
So maybe I'm a complete rube or tool, but I'm working this off-season to compile a book of rules (similar to Simmons' Playoff Manifesto) for betting on NCAA Football. It's in the infant phase, but I hoping to come up with something to prevent me from going through that painstaking task of making emotional decisions every week. Ideally, this will make bets and predictions much easier and hopefully more successful in the future seasons. If you guys have any hypothesises or theories, please let me know and I'll do some investigating to see how valid it is. I'll publish a first draft as we get closer to the summer, but let me know if you have any help/advice that you believe will hold true and is worthy of being a rule.
4. USC v. GOPHERS? WTF?
Maybe just a rumor right now, but it sounds pretty valid. We are trying to get a home and home with the mighty Trojans to play AT LEAST 2x from 2011-2016. Yikes. Well, it will be quite the barometer for our favorite team assuming we continue to get better and keep ascending up the ladder. Who knows, maybe Pete Carroll will be coaching the LA Vikings by that point and USC will be back down to the John Robinson years type of team. How fricking pumped would you be to watch an early September game at TCF...#1 USC at #20 GOPHERS 7pm primetime ABC. oh, goosebumps....until we struggle through a 47-10 L...but it's not happening tomorrow so we could/should be a competitve team by that point.
Hmmm, what else....
5. JON GRUDEN to ND
This makes way too much sense to not have it happen. Weis blows, this is obvious; Gruden has ties to ND and would be an amazing college coach (in my opinion). If you're a ND hater, which I am, you better hope this doesn't happen. They only have the talent right now...but if they actually had a competant coach - could be scary.
6. SUPER BOWL
Don't forget to send me your picks for the big (yawn) game. Pick a winner and answer the 6 bonus quetsions for tie breakers. 2 picks are in, one for each team...our 2 leaders are holding out, but I'll need picks by game time on Feb 1st.
NCAA PICKS - please send me these as well as soon as you have them. JG/MK get me both weeks before your 7 day bender in lovely Jamaica...bastards.
That's all I got - as always, please post your thoughts on the board if you have a free minute or something you just need to discuss.
233 days until the opening of TCF...too soon to start a tailgate party?
Later.
1. JEDD FISCH
I guess this is the 99% sure new OC for the Gophers. I like the hire, not that I'm claiming to know a ton about this guy, but he's a fresh new face with some good experience and what sounds like some creative ideas. I like this much better than some retread from another school...if Shanahan recommends the guy, he's probably got a chance. How fun would it be to come out in 2009 and see the Gophers score about 30+ on a weekly basis?!? I think the weapons will be there to make some good things happen on offense. They needed to make changes, and I think they've gone the right direction. Adding Davis as a running game coordinator should address that issue - as well as getting a couple of new big-time tackles and a deep healthy stable of good RB's. The passing offense needed a spark, so hopefully Fisch will be that spark. Taking more shots down field, actually trying to get big plays and gain more than 5-8 yards with each completion would be a start. Also taking advantage of some of the diversity they have, like we saw early in the Bowl game with KAN...lots of new speed and size to work with so I think things will defintiely be better. The OL will be more experienced and have some better players, so that is where it all needs to start. I'm hoping to see some major improvements by the Spring Game.
2. BIG 10...SHOULD ADD ANOTHER?
This topic has come up numerous times ever since Penn State joined back in 1994 (i think). The obvious choice is ND, but I don't see them ever agreeing to this. I would love to add a 12th team and create an SEC/B12 type situation with divisions and championship games. Other options include: PITT, CIN, any MAC school...
For simplicity, I'll use ND (although I think this is very unlikely)...here's what we'd be looking at:
For the GOPHERS, you'd have to keep IOWA, WIS, and probably MICH/MSU in a North Division
In the South, OSU, IND, PUR, ILL, NW, ND...which would leave PSU in the North I guess.
The purists would say, but what about the MICH:OHIOST rivalry, how could you ensure it without being in the same division. Each team could have 5 inter-division games, then 3 out of division games. One of those could be with a "rival" every year.
Just a thought, I'd love to see it, but I don't expect it anytime soon.
3. BIG BOOK OF NCAA BETTING RULES
So maybe I'm a complete rube or tool, but I'm working this off-season to compile a book of rules (similar to Simmons' Playoff Manifesto) for betting on NCAA Football. It's in the infant phase, but I hoping to come up with something to prevent me from going through that painstaking task of making emotional decisions every week. Ideally, this will make bets and predictions much easier and hopefully more successful in the future seasons. If you guys have any hypothesises or theories, please let me know and I'll do some investigating to see how valid it is. I'll publish a first draft as we get closer to the summer, but let me know if you have any help/advice that you believe will hold true and is worthy of being a rule.
4. USC v. GOPHERS? WTF?
Maybe just a rumor right now, but it sounds pretty valid. We are trying to get a home and home with the mighty Trojans to play AT LEAST 2x from 2011-2016. Yikes. Well, it will be quite the barometer for our favorite team assuming we continue to get better and keep ascending up the ladder. Who knows, maybe Pete Carroll will be coaching the LA Vikings by that point and USC will be back down to the John Robinson years type of team. How fricking pumped would you be to watch an early September game at TCF...#1 USC at #20 GOPHERS 7pm primetime ABC. oh, goosebumps....until we struggle through a 47-10 L...but it's not happening tomorrow so we could/should be a competitve team by that point.
Hmmm, what else....
5. JON GRUDEN to ND
This makes way too much sense to not have it happen. Weis blows, this is obvious; Gruden has ties to ND and would be an amazing college coach (in my opinion). If you're a ND hater, which I am, you better hope this doesn't happen. They only have the talent right now...but if they actually had a competant coach - could be scary.
6. SUPER BOWL
Don't forget to send me your picks for the big (yawn) game. Pick a winner and answer the 6 bonus quetsions for tie breakers. 2 picks are in, one for each team...our 2 leaders are holding out, but I'll need picks by game time on Feb 1st.
NCAA PICKS - please send me these as well as soon as you have them. JG/MK get me both weeks before your 7 day bender in lovely Jamaica...bastards.
That's all I got - as always, please post your thoughts on the board if you have a free minute or something you just need to discuss.
233 days until the opening of TCF...too soon to start a tailgate party?
Later.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Championship Weekend Results - All upcoming NFL and NCAA Lines
Hey Guys -
One game to go, who would have though Arizona-PITT? Besides Kobow, I guess. Nice call on the Cards Mike. Here's where we are at:
MR - 76
MK - 76
JR - 72
JG - 58
With the Super Bowl being worth 16 points, it's a winner take all type of situation. I think we'll have to throw in some tie-breakers though just in case our picks all go one way or the other. Actually, I'll make the title game itself worth only 10, and the remaining 6 points will be decided on these other criteria:
1. Which teams scores first?
2. Who leads at half time?
3. Over/Under 46.5 for the game?
4. Which team kicks more FG's?
5. Def/SpT TD's? Yes or no.
6. More rushing TD's or passing TD's?
* Please send me your answers to each of these 6 questions, as well as your winner against the spread for the Super Bowl:
ARI
PITT -7
__________________________________________________________________
Next, NCAA Hoops. The challenge kicks off tonight for our first week, but with JG and MK leaving the country for a week I will list the next 2 weeks worth of games, so we can be all caught up. Once again, please list your winners with your confidence (10 being the most confident, 1 being least confident)for each week.
1/25-1/31
MSU
OHIOST
FLA
VAN
MARQ
ND
TEX
BAY
PUR
WIS
DUKE
WF
ILL
MIN
ST.MARY
GONZ
STAN
UCLA
MICH
PUR
2/1-2/7
UCONN
LOU
KAN
BAY
PUR
OHIOST
SC
FLA
DUKE
CLEM
WV
SYR
MIN
MSU
ILL
WIS
TEX
NEB
ND
UCLA
I'll keep you updated on what happens over the week for the NCAA Challenge - also, sounds like Brew is naming an OC today...should be interesting.
Hope everyone has a great week - talk to you later.
One game to go, who would have though Arizona-PITT? Besides Kobow, I guess. Nice call on the Cards Mike. Here's where we are at:
MR - 76
MK - 76
JR - 72
JG - 58
With the Super Bowl being worth 16 points, it's a winner take all type of situation. I think we'll have to throw in some tie-breakers though just in case our picks all go one way or the other. Actually, I'll make the title game itself worth only 10, and the remaining 6 points will be decided on these other criteria:
1. Which teams scores first?
2. Who leads at half time?
3. Over/Under 46.5 for the game?
4. Which team kicks more FG's?
5. Def/SpT TD's? Yes or no.
6. More rushing TD's or passing TD's?
* Please send me your answers to each of these 6 questions, as well as your winner against the spread for the Super Bowl:
ARI
PITT -7
__________________________________________________________________
Next, NCAA Hoops. The challenge kicks off tonight for our first week, but with JG and MK leaving the country for a week I will list the next 2 weeks worth of games, so we can be all caught up. Once again, please list your winners with your confidence (10 being the most confident, 1 being least confident)for each week.
1/25-1/31
MSU
OHIOST
FLA
VAN
MARQ
ND
TEX
BAY
PUR
WIS
DUKE
WF
ILL
MIN
ST.MARY
GONZ
STAN
UCLA
MICH
PUR
2/1-2/7
UCONN
LOU
KAN
BAY
PUR
OHIOST
SC
FLA
DUKE
CLEM
WV
SYR
MIN
MSU
ILL
WIS
TEX
NEB
ND
UCLA
I'll keep you updated on what happens over the week for the NCAA Challenge - also, sounds like Brew is naming an OC today...should be interesting.
Hope everyone has a great week - talk to you later.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Playoff Picks & NCAA Hoops Wk1 Picks
Hey Guys -
Not a lot of difference in opinions for the NFL this weekend.
We all like PIT, and all of us except MK like PHI.
Here's how NCAA Hoops picks shape up:
JR MR MK JG
55 0 55 0 55 0 55 0
SYR
PITT 9 7 8 9
A&M
KAN 8 5 2 10
OHIOST 2 3
ILL 6 5
MICH 4 3
PSU 3 7
NOVA
UCONN 7 6 10 2
CLEM
NC 10 9 9 8
PUR 1
MIN 5 1 1
UCONN 1 4 7
ND 6
XAVIER 2 10 6
LSU 5
WIS 3 8 4 4
ILL
Hope this isn't too tough to read. We'll see what it looks like when I'm done I guess.
How about those Gophers last night?!?! I can't believe they won that game - also gave me a $4 payday on Centsports for hitting my Gophers/Wild parlay...I'm back on the drug. This team is a lot of fun to watch - and they're only going to keep getting better with experience.
Sounds like the new hot guy for the OC job is Gunter Brewer, co-OC from OKST. I think this guy sounds pretty good, but who knows. Huge recruiting weekend for the Gophers with only a couple weeks left until signing day. I think 6 guys are in town this weekend, too bad the -20 temps won't stick around!
Here's a link to a hilarious article that should shock no one about Iowa's play by play radio guy. Apparently, he's some kind of legendary booze-hound who finally lost his job due to some internet photos. This writer makes it sound as if we should feel sorry for this dude and just give him a break - I had a good laugh over it all.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Ferentz will be on his way to KC soon and we can set the Pigeons back to where they were at the end of the Fry era ~1-10 ish. WHO HATES IOWA!!!???!
Later Guys - have a good weekend.
Next week, I'll send out 2 weeks worth of games for Hoops for those of us that will be heading to sunny Jamaica for a week - so jealous right now.
Not a lot of difference in opinions for the NFL this weekend.
We all like PIT, and all of us except MK like PHI.
Here's how NCAA Hoops picks shape up:
JR MR MK JG
55 0 55 0 55 0 55 0
SYR
PITT 9 7 8 9
A&M
KAN 8 5 2 10
OHIOST 2 3
ILL 6 5
MICH 4 3
PSU 3 7
NOVA
UCONN 7 6 10 2
CLEM
NC 10 9 9 8
PUR 1
MIN 5 1 1
UCONN 1 4 7
ND 6
XAVIER 2 10 6
LSU 5
WIS 3 8 4 4
ILL
Hope this isn't too tough to read. We'll see what it looks like when I'm done I guess.
How about those Gophers last night?!?! I can't believe they won that game - also gave me a $4 payday on Centsports for hitting my Gophers/Wild parlay...I'm back on the drug. This team is a lot of fun to watch - and they're only going to keep getting better with experience.
Sounds like the new hot guy for the OC job is Gunter Brewer, co-OC from OKST. I think this guy sounds pretty good, but who knows. Huge recruiting weekend for the Gophers with only a couple weeks left until signing day. I think 6 guys are in town this weekend, too bad the -20 temps won't stick around!
Here's a link to a hilarious article that should shock no one about Iowa's play by play radio guy. Apparently, he's some kind of legendary booze-hound who finally lost his job due to some internet photos. This writer makes it sound as if we should feel sorry for this dude and just give him a break - I had a good laugh over it all.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Ferentz will be on his way to KC soon and we can set the Pigeons back to where they were at the end of the Fry era ~1-10 ish. WHO HATES IOWA!!!???!
Later Guys - have a good weekend.
Next week, I'll send out 2 weeks worth of games for Hoops for those of us that will be heading to sunny Jamaica for a week - so jealous right now.
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