A month ago this would have been a ridiculous question, but now I think it is a valid one.
I can't say I feel any worse about this program then I did after a 1-11 season, but sadly, I don't feel any better either. For all the talk of a great turnaround, the reality is that we didn't beat anyone that is likely to finish above .500. And the last 4 games have been varying degrees of pathetic. Tonight of course tops it all. This wasn't just a loss, it was a set-your-program-back debacle. A complete embarassment. It ensured fan interest will remain at the same barely-has-a-pulse level it has for years. The new stadium will provide a brief blip, but it will fade soon enough.
The jury on Brewster the recruiter is still out. But the verdict on Brewster the day-to-day coach is not positive. 55-0 against a medicore Iowa team doesn't just happen. It requires a complete lack of preparation and it requires the team to quit on you. Both clearly happened tonight. I have yet to see a Big 10 game in Brewster's tenure where I felt we out-coached the other team, with the possible of exception of this year's Illinois game.
Even if Brewster continues to recruit well by Minnesota standards, we will never have talent so good it will win in spite of poor coaching. We will also need to be able to out-coach the Ohio State's and Michigan's of the world if we are to ever beat them consistantly. I see no signs in Brewster or his staff of this ability.
The reality is that given the choice between average players and good coaching or above-average players and poor coaching, Minnesota is far better off going with the first choice. This is basically what we had with Mason. I understand the hope was to get the best of both worlds, but it does not appear that Brewster is capable of it.
So, am I advocating Brewster's firing? No, not really. It would be tough to do after two years and with the 'big' turn-around we made. But with guys like Phil Fulmer and Tommy Bowden floating around unemployed, the thought has certainly crossed my mind.
I can't say I feel any worse about this program then I did after a 1-11 season, but sadly, I don't feel any better either. For all the talk of a great turnaround, the reality is that we didn't beat anyone that is likely to finish above .500. And the last 4 games have been varying degrees of pathetic. Tonight of course tops it all. This wasn't just a loss, it was a set-your-program-back debacle. A complete embarassment. It ensured fan interest will remain at the same barely-has-a-pulse level it has for years. The new stadium will provide a brief blip, but it will fade soon enough.
The jury on Brewster the recruiter is still out. But the verdict on Brewster the day-to-day coach is not positive. 55-0 against a medicore Iowa team doesn't just happen. It requires a complete lack of preparation and it requires the team to quit on you. Both clearly happened tonight. I have yet to see a Big 10 game in Brewster's tenure where I felt we out-coached the other team, with the possible of exception of this year's Illinois game.
Even if Brewster continues to recruit well by Minnesota standards, we will never have talent so good it will win in spite of poor coaching. We will also need to be able to out-coach the Ohio State's and Michigan's of the world if we are to ever beat them consistantly. I see no signs in Brewster or his staff of this ability.
The reality is that given the choice between average players and good coaching or above-average players and poor coaching, Minnesota is far better off going with the first choice. This is basically what we had with Mason. I understand the hope was to get the best of both worlds, but it does not appear that Brewster is capable of it.
So, am I advocating Brewster's firing? No, not really. It would be tough to do after two years and with the 'big' turn-around we made. But with guys like Phil Fulmer and Tommy Bowden floating around unemployed, the thought has certainly crossed my mind.
