Spartan Nation 2009 Football Scouting Report: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Spartan Nation 2009 Scouting Report: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Biggest Game: October 3, 2009 Wisconsin
Predicted record: 5-7 (2-6)
Projected Big Ten standing: 8th
Returning Starters: 17; OFFENSE 9, DEFENSE 8, Lettermen returning: 54
Head Coach: Tim Brewster 3rd Season at Minnesota Last Season: 7-6 Lifetime: 8-17
Top assistant: Ronnie Lee and Kevin Cosgrove Co DCs
Number of Players on the All Spartan Nation Big Ten Teams: One WR Eric Decker
Analysis: Brewster came to Minnesota with no head coaching or even coordinator experience. No doubt that he is a great recruiter, but things have not gone as people expected. He came promising the fans a wide-open attack, which is one of the things they wanted after the Glen Mason years of power football. He is now changing that scheme and he has struggled keeping assistants. In fact, soon after he got the job I know of two assistants who contacted other friends in the coaching world bemoaning their decision.
They have a very good QB (Adam Weber) and an exceptional WR in Eric Decker. The offensive scheme will change, but Brewster certainly has the tools in his box with some very good recruits on campus.
One name not to forget is true freshman MarQueis Gray. He is an elusive and incredibly talented QB that can run and throw. Weber is no slouch, but Gray is an exceptional athlete and you have to wonder how long they can keep him off the field.
With the new stadium (thanks to Mason), the expectations of the Gophers’ fans are high. If Brewster fails to deliver a bowl bid things could get dicey. Florida DC Charlie Strong interviewed for the job when Brewster got it and would be a great fit in Minnesota. If Brewster fails and they chose to look elsewhere, the search could be short as they head to Gainesville for a new coach.
I picked the Gophers to upset the Badgers on October 3. I think the Badgers are a better team, but they seem to lose a game each year that makes no sense and this could be it. If the Gophers catch them in a mental lapse as I suspect, that win will be huge for the Gophers.
Predicted Win/Loss:
1.at Syracuse WIN
2.Air Force WIN
3.CAL LOSS
4.at Northwestern LOSS
5.WISCONSIN WIN
6.Purdue WIN
7.at Penn State LOSS
8.at Ohio State LOSS
9.Michigan State LOSS
10.Illinois LOSS
11.South Dakota State WIN
12.at Iowa LOSS
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