Brewster on our show Thurs. at 8:05a

[Doogie]

Always open to suggestions ... Brewster on with me and John Hanson Thurs. morning at 8:05a on AM-1500 ... plan on getting injury updates, QB battle update, offensive tweak updates, guys who are surprising, etc.

[tjgesquire]

How about fullback depth, Collado vs. C. Lewis, and why was the offensive line such a problem last year. What makes him believe that the returning o-linemen will be better this season.

[wait!what?]

Outstanding

[ruralgopher]

Ask how often he peruses the wit and wisdom of GopherHole.

[gophmeister]

Ask if I am his favorite gopherhole poster?

[Section2]

Be honest with him and tell him what you think of him and the program he is running. That would be priceless and great radio.

[GopherNation]

Press him hard on the QB situation and have him talk about what type of offense he is running this year with the new O coordinator.

Also, ask him where he sees lamonte edwards playing.

[RaT]

why was the offensive line such a problem last year. What makes him believe that the returning o-linemen will be better this season.

Bingo. Although I can almost already hear his response, I would love to hear a real answer.

[GophBen]

Ask him about fat kid rotations. OL and DL have some interesting possibilities. How about the LB battles? WR development? Health of kids recovering from injuries and ailments last year?

[Breakin' The Plane]

Ask him if he thinks OJ will make the trip up for the USC game.

[howeda7]

Have a pool to vote on how often you can get him to say tremendous. Have a bell chime when he does (inaudible to him of course). This would make me tune in.

[GoGophers2005]

Here are a few questions I would like to hear him answer...

1. Is there anything he would have changed looking back on his first 3 years on the job?

2. Is there anything he would have changed with choosing his first offensive and defensive coordinators looking back on them now? Would he have still gone with the spread and the blitz heavy defense?

3. Would he have dealt with certain media personalities differently knowing the reaction he has recieved from a number of them?

4. If he could have 1-3 wishes in terms of facilities for the University of Minnesota football program what would they be? Does he want a new practice facility? And yes that is a serious question because Bierman is becoming a pit.

5. Who is Brews choice to be the 14th member of the Big Ten?

[Big Ten Mind]

Have a pool to vote on how often you can get him to say tremendous. Have a bell chime when he does (inaudible to him of course). This would make me tune in.

I'm anticipating the interview to be "outstanding" and "tremendous" "without question" :)

Actually Doogie ask him if he believes the running game can make an impact against WI and IA

[dpodoll68]

Who is Brews choice to be the 14th member of the Big Ten?

Who are #12 and #13?

[Section2]

Here are a few questions I would like to hear him answer...

1. Is there anything he would have changed looking back on his first 3 years on the job?

2. Is there anything he would have changed with choosing his first offensive and defensive coordinators looking back on them now? Would he have still gone with the spread and the blitz heavy defense?

3. Would he have dealt with certain media personalities differently knowing the reaction he has recieved from a number of them?

4. If he could have 1-3 wishes in terms of facilities for the University of Minnesota football program what would they be? Does he want a new practice facility? And yes that is a serious question because Bierman is becoming a pit.

5. Who is Brews choice to be the 14th member of the Big Ten?

He would never answer most of those the way you want. He's been asked similar questions and given stock answer. No, wouldn't change anything, really pleased with X Y Z. #4 is a good question though.

[RaT]

And yes that is a serious question because Bierman is becoming a pit.

I have never been, so I have no idea, but what is wrong with Bierman?

[Bayfieldgopher]

What is his definition of "Pound the Rock?" Mine is being able to run the ball effectively and chew up some clock.

[RaT]

Tell him the fans demand a win over Iowa or Wisconsin this year.

[bigtenchamps1899]

the football practice complex is called gibson-nagurski (https://admin.xosn.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=1549858). the bierman building (https://admin.xosn.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=311930) is where the athletics department is headquartered.

[AhliBobwa]

Please ask him if he is going to retain some spread concepts in the new offense. For instance, last year Ohio State had a diverse package of plays out of the shotgun set based off of the zone read play. Considering the fact that Weber and Gray are both spread QBs I think it is imperative that the Gophers utilize a few spread concepts.

[minngg]

Be honest with him and tell him what you think of him and the program he is running. That would be priceless and great radio.

This. Let's see if Doogie will rip him to his face. Should be good.

[Doogie]

I may not agree with many of his tactics, but I do respect him ... It was my idea to have him on, and he agreed to do it ... he is taking the time, so it would be very disrespectful of me to start going at him ... I love the DTs, love Wilhite, am very curious about the O-line and running game, so it won't be us singing Kumbaya together, but I won't get combative.

[husker70]

1. What is the best gauge of a running game?
a. moving the chains consistently
b. yards per carry?
c. minutes per drive?
d. total yards?
2. How many games will we be able to run out the clock?
3. Does the running game as you see it, have progressions, false reads, counters?
4. Does the offense put down on tape certain reads early in the year that they will counter late?
5. Is Oreske a game changer? Can we consistently reverse field positon with a kick?
6. Is this going to be a year of field position, pounding the rock, and playing defense?
7. Is the QB, whomever it is going to be more of a manager of the game?
8. Is this defense better than last year? More up front, and more in the middle?

[ruralgopher]

I may not agree with many of his tactics, but I do respect him ... It was my idea to have him on, and he agreed to do it ... he is taking the time, so it would be very disrespectful of me to start going at him ... I love the DTs, love Wilhite, am very curious about the O-line and running game, so it won't be us singing Kumbaya together, but I won't get combative.

I don't think it would be disrespectful at all to say something like:

"Coach Brewster, anyone who follows the program knows that you have had your critics, myself included. What would be your response to us who, at face value see a guy who was hired to recharge a stagnant 6-6 football program and, 3 years in, are still looking at a 6-6 football program?"

If I were him, I'd want the chance to respond to my critics, point blank.

[husker70]

Coach, do you think the lack of coverage this spring is due to restricted access, or lack of media interest?

[littlebigboy]

My answer would be Iam doing the right thing to build a program. I am redshirting most of our recruits, so they will be the same age and maturity of the good teams they will play. It's real hard to put 1st and 2nd yr. guys against 4-5 yr. guys no matter how many stars they have. There are exceptions, but look at the average yr. of the best teams in the country. this yr. we will start to turn the corner and the next 2 will be the true test. We will either prove our system or prove we didn't know what we were doing. But this yr. is a transition yr. but we should be a better team.

[alchemy2u]

Boy, am I glad most of the posters don't ask the questions! The point is not to zing some gotchas at Brewster, it is to get some insight into the new season and how the players are progressing. Some things like what changes will we see on offense, what will the be the impact of the improvments in speed be with the linebackers.

[Section2]

I don't think it would be disrespectful at all to say something like:

"Coach Brewster, anyone who follows the program knows that you have had your critics, myself included. What would be your response to us who, at face value see a guy who was hired to recharge a stagnant 6-6 football program and, 3 years in, are still looking at a 6-6 football program?"

If I were him, I'd want the chance to respond to my critics, point blank.

I agree. You aren't going to make a name for yourself tossing him softball questions.

[I Love Gold]

How does Sam Maresh look in spring practice, and what are your expectations for him this season?

[husker70]

Any chance Ed Olson could play Center? It all starts in the middle.

[minngg]

Here is a question for you Doogie. Ask Coach Brewster why some sports "writers" want to judge your recruiting ability before most of your recruited players are Juniors? Also, ask him why there have been personal attacks on his character and about the KFAN situation and why he won't talk to your buddies over there.

[Bob_Loblaw]

First off, I think I have argued with Doogie countless times on gopherhole about some of his takes on Gopher football, but he is a member of the media and if he really doesn't like the way certain aspects of the program are being run, he should voice them (no matter how much I disagree with them).

Second, kudos Doogie for getting Brew on your show. I have always been more annoyed with the apathy towards Gopher football than I have been people who rip on it.

Lastly, here are some suggestions...
#1: Does the Gopher staff see Tinsley as specifically a MLB or is it possible that Tinsley could jump around from the middle to the outside (Depending on the matchup)?
#2: Did Brew always envision Rallis's natural position to be LB? Was he pressed into playing safety early for depth concerns?
#3: Does he plan on mixing in a little 3-4 this season?
#4: If Gray is not the QB, what are the chances he gets a significant number of snaps at WR?

[Zales04]

What about how do you limit the amount of players transferring/leaving the program? It doesn't seem that you can build depth with as much attrition as the Gophers have had in the past, coaches included.

[Bayfieldgopher]

What about how do you limit the amount of players transferring/leaving the program? It doesn't seem that you can build depth with as much attrition as the Gophers have had in the past, coaches included.

Attrition? Check the rate during the Mason era. That was almost contagious at nearly 50% his last four year recruiting classes disappeared and that created a huge lack of depth issue.

It has slowed considerably after Brewsters first season when Clint, Chatman, Cheatham, Elizee, Herndon, Clark-James, Potter, Tate', Thomas, Thompson, Spry, White departed or never showed. Since then, it think its been Combs, Dandridge, Hill, Nance, Smith, Whaley from 08 and Searcy, Campion who never made the roster and Lewis from 09.

The ridiculous high number of 06 and 07 departures will hurt this team as we will need to rely on younger players, some maybe before their time.

Lets hope that Brewster has finally settled on a staff.

[wait!what?]

Now that Dark Star is gone can we assume that soon other poor radio shows will be dropped? e.g. Dan Cole?

[SMU GOPHS FAN]

Doogie:

One of the questions I would like an answer to is what is the coaching staff doing to clean up the penatlies? The amount of penalties they continue to have game in and game out is inexcusable and is a very large part of the reason they are still a .500 team.

[FireDaveLee]

There were some games with lots of penalties for sure, but the last two, the Gophers had 4 for 34 yards against Iowa (pretty respectable, IMO) & 1 for 9 yards against Iowa State (outstanding).

They need the consistency each week and can get better, but it did appear that it was something the coaching staff & players were able to address & correct.

[Section2]

Doogie:

One of the questions I would like an answer to is what is the coaching staff doing to clean up the penatlies? The amount of penalties they continue to have game in and game out is inexcusable and is a very large part of the reason they are still a .500 team.

That question was repeatedly asked last year, there's no answer that will satisfy you. "need to do a better job" is all the coaches can say. The penalties really were cleaned up at the end of the year anyway.

[Thunderlips]

I would like to hear more about Ryan Wynn’s back injury. He was our best O-Lineman as a Freshmen a few years back, and his services are desperately needed this year.

Also, why isn’t Keenan Cooper playing Safety? He is MAYBE 215 right now, and just doesn’t have the frame to fill out into a BigTen LB. I hear he is one of the fastest players on the team, and a 215 LBS wrecking-ball at SS is a great asset to have .

[GopherGod]

Doogie,

1. Ask Brewster if he or if under his direction his people floated his name for the Kansas and UNLV job?

2. Ask him if he would deem himself worthy of retaining his job beyond this year if he does not win a rivalry or signature game?

3. Ask him why his recruiting class rankings are declining?

[ChemEGopher]

Ask if he would hire someone else besides Jedd Fisch if he knew that he would bolt back to the NFL after one year.

[Tubtastic]

In your experience:

What are the 2 or 3 things that consistently excite recruits about coming to the U?

What are the 2 or 3 things that consistently concern recruits about coming to the U?

[Doogie]

Thanks for all the inquiries ... between John Hanson & me, will do our best to get in as many as we can in 15 or so minutes ... def. will get a QB, RB, redshirt freshman update ... curious on Maresh and the depth at safety ... also the O-line ... by the way, hearing great things about #58 Ed Olson Jr ... he will help them this year.

[[censored]]

I'd ask him a little something about recruiting. That'd be a great icebreaker, because he probably loves the subject. I know you can't ask him to comment on specific recruits, but maybe ask him if he thinks recruiting nationally in places like Texas and Florida while also trying to lock down the state of Minnesota will produce dividends this year? Is he expecting that time and energy to produce results on the field soon?

[Bob_Loblaw]

Any updates on how this went? I had a meeting so I coudln't listen to it.

[Doogie]

Wouldn't confirm that barring unforeseen circumstances, Weber is his starting QB on Sept. 2 ... Wouldn't confirm my belief that his starting RB is not yet on campus ... did provide some news that Bennett got hurt in practice the other day ... addressed the penalties and said they have officials at every practice, and pointed at the Iowa and Iowa St. games as progress ... loves his DTs ... was asked why he stayed with Weber last year, and said he believes in showering his QB with love ... spoke very highly of Decker, and said when he talks to NFL coaches about the draft, Triplett, Campbell, and Lawrence have all come up.
I asked him why I should believe that they can win 7 or 8 games with that schedule (9 games vs. bowl eligible teams from a year ago) ... he said he firmly believes that he is building something here.
All together, nothing groundbreaking, but for the casual Gophers fan listening that isn't hardcore like us, I think it came off OK. We had him for 15-minutes or so ... always enjoy talking Gophers.

[Stargenes]

Wouldn't confirm that barring unforeseen circumstances, Weber is his starting QB on Sept. 2 ... Wouldn't confirm my belief that his starting RB is not yet on campus ... did provide some news that Bennett got hurt in practice the other day ... addressed the penalties and said they have officials at every practice, and pointed at the Iowa and Iowa St. games as progress ... loves his DTs ... was asked why he stayed with Weber last year, and said he believes in showering his QB with love ... spoke very highly of Decker, and said when he talks to NFL coaches about the draft, Triplett, Campbell, and Lawrence have all come up.
I asked him why I should believe that they can win 7 or 8 games with that schedule (9 games vs. bowl eligible teams from a year ago) ... he said he firmly believes that he is building something here.
All together, nothing groundbreaking, but for the casual Gophers fan listening that isn't hardcore like us, I think it came off OK. We had him for 15-minutes or so ... always enjoy talking Gophers.

You guys did a nice job! He did provide some answers between the lines as well. He will not hesitate to pull guys this year because of the talent on the sidelines now; Weber has to show up every week and every practice to start and they are getting Gray ready to step in at a moments notice; And he really likes what he is seeing from his young players this Spring. WE ARE BUILDING SOMETHING GOOD HERE! Go Gophers!!!!!!!!!!!11

[maxwellsmart]

I may not agree with many of his tactics, but I do respect him ... It was my idea to have him on, and he agreed to do it ... he is taking the time, so it would be very disrespectful of me to start going at him ... I love the DTs, love Wilhite, am very curious about the O-line and running game, so it won't be us singing Kumbaya together, but I won't get combative.

The image of you "going at" anyone like Tim Brewster is hilarious. And you're definitely on the right track not to become "combative."

[maxwellsmart]

What about how do you limit the amount of players transferring/leaving the program? It doesn't seem that you can build depth with as much attrition as the Gophers have had in the past, coaches included.

Comparative research necessary before drawing such conclusions.

[Zales04]

Comparative research necessary before drawing such conclusions.

It was just more of a broad question in general, not so much aimed at any particular coach in the case of players, but definitely in regards to coaches aimed at Brew. Every team faces attrition with players, some more than others. Stability is not something that comes to mind when I think of the last 40 years of Gopher football. Just my opinion.

[Doogie]

The image of you "going at" anyone like Tim Brewster is hilarious. And you're definitely on the right track not to become "combative."

Not sure what you are implying, but I am talking about challenging him ... something different than what you hear on Sunday mornings ... also cognizant of the fact that he took the time to join us, and even though I don't agree a lot with his methods, there is respect.

[Stargenes]

Not sure what you are implying, but I am talking about challenging him ... something different than what you hear on Sunday mornings ... also cognizant of the fact that he took the time to join us, and even though I don't agree a lot with his methods, there is respect.

It's called professionalism. Some may even say it is handling the matter with class. Civil discussions about the Gopher Program reflects well on The University as a whole. Again, NICE JOB!

[walleyedude]

Shoot, missed it. Will look for a podcast.