On Sunday morning, as Minnesota fans picked up the local newspapers, we saw that Tim Brewster and his team were pleased to be 3-0 but realistic. They knew that a somewhat ugly win over Montana State was not significant improvement. They knew they didn't take a step forward from the road win at Bowling Green.
Brewster after the game via the STrib:
"I didn't have my guys as prepared today as they needed to be," he said.
Moments later, over in the corner, quarterback Adam Weber took the blame, saying, "We'll come out of this game knowing we let ourselves and our fans down today a little bit.''
Now Monday morning, Brewster is back to being uber positive.
"Three-and-oh Gophers, you've gotta love it," Brewster exclaimed while sitting in his office Sunday afternoon. "You've got to be fired up."
Two weeks away from the Big Ten Conference opener Sept. 27 at Ohio State, Minnesota's second-year coach realizes that a win against Florida Atlantic on Saturday to reach 4-0 would be a huge accomplishment for such a young football team.
"We're thrilled to death to be 3-0, but we also know that we have a ton of work to do," Brewster said. "You think about the ceiling that we've got as opposed to other teams with the youth we have. It's amazing."
I'm not trying to say this positivity is bad, but I was enjoying Brewster's tone the day before. The Gophers need to receive the message that their first half of lackadasical football will not be tolerated. The defense needs to know that the tackling was atrocious.
- Another point guard to the list of names Tubby Smith is recruiting for '09. Rivals (subscription) has a look at California 3-star guard Justin Cobbs. Iowa, among others, has been after Cobbs fairly hard. Cobbs is set to visit Minnesota later this week.
- The Associated Press shines a spotlight on DeLeon Eskridge. Totalling 114 yards and 3 TDs in your first significant action as a freshman is a major developement, especially considering the beleagured offensive line he was playing behind.
- Charley Walters of the PiPress writes that Rodney Williams is expected to sign with the Gophers.
- John Millea of the Star Tribune authored a nice profile of Ra'Shede Hageman, a Minneapolis Washburn tight end that looks like an absolute beast. His choice is down to Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio State.
- Lastly, sorry about the latenss of the Fix. My Verizon Internet card is down and I had to trek to Starbucks for access. Hopefully I'll have it fixed by tonight. Oh, one more thing, how bout those OSU Buckeyes!!!