Gopher Warrior
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Last year Minnesota was 12-1 to start off the season, but it meant very little. This year the outcome of nonconference games should carry a lot more weight.
I'm trying to sort through my thoughts and I have some 'feel', but would be interested in the thoughts of others on this. Also curious if anyone (SS?) can provide insight from a historical standpoint.
Over the six days beginning Thanksgiving day and through the following Tuesday, the Gophers will play four games away from home (Duke, TBD, TBD, @Fla St). Three will be neutral site games in the Bahamas, but it's possible Minnesota will be the underdog in all four games. Best case scenario, Minnesota is the underdog against Duke to start off play on Paradise Island and then is a small favorite in the next three games.
No matter who the two unknown opponents turn out to be, this year's nonconference schedule will be far tougher than a year ago. It's unique to have four challenging games within six days time and I'm trying to figure out how much it means to the season.
Let's assume that the Gophers are going to finish 9-9 in the Big Ten. I think if they win 3 or 4 of the Gauntlet Games, they're golden. Even splitting the 4 games, I think Minnesota is fine.
In early December there are a couple of teams that will put up a good fight (including @USC), but if Minnesota finishes the nonconference at say 10-3 or better they're probably in good position for a tourney invite. It'll depend on other variables, including who the Gophers beat in the Big Ten, but do you think the 19-12 (9-9) is good enough to feel at least decent about dancing this year?
If Minnesota loses 3 of 4, it's still not the end of the world (again, still assuming a 9-9 mark in conference). The margin for error against the rest of the schedule is reduced, but let's say the lose one more... at 18-13 (9-9), the resume may not look all that bad with an impressive win or two in conference. Agree?
If the Gophers lose all 4 and have signed a weak recruiting class two weeks prior to the losing streak, the legacy-saver clause in Tubby's contract might be a hot topic.
Most likely we'll see over-reactionary responses to whatever Minnesota does in these 4 games, but ultimately dancing will be most dependent on conference performance. Unless they really stink it up in nonconference (8-5 or worse), I'm thinking 9-9 in conference gives them a good shot at making the tourney.
I'm trying to sort through my thoughts and I have some 'feel', but would be interested in the thoughts of others on this. Also curious if anyone (SS?) can provide insight from a historical standpoint.
Over the six days beginning Thanksgiving day and through the following Tuesday, the Gophers will play four games away from home (Duke, TBD, TBD, @Fla St). Three will be neutral site games in the Bahamas, but it's possible Minnesota will be the underdog in all four games. Best case scenario, Minnesota is the underdog against Duke to start off play on Paradise Island and then is a small favorite in the next three games.
No matter who the two unknown opponents turn out to be, this year's nonconference schedule will be far tougher than a year ago. It's unique to have four challenging games within six days time and I'm trying to figure out how much it means to the season.
Let's assume that the Gophers are going to finish 9-9 in the Big Ten. I think if they win 3 or 4 of the Gauntlet Games, they're golden. Even splitting the 4 games, I think Minnesota is fine.
In early December there are a couple of teams that will put up a good fight (including @USC), but if Minnesota finishes the nonconference at say 10-3 or better they're probably in good position for a tourney invite. It'll depend on other variables, including who the Gophers beat in the Big Ten, but do you think the 19-12 (9-9) is good enough to feel at least decent about dancing this year?
If Minnesota loses 3 of 4, it's still not the end of the world (again, still assuming a 9-9 mark in conference). The margin for error against the rest of the schedule is reduced, but let's say the lose one more... at 18-13 (9-9), the resume may not look all that bad with an impressive win or two in conference. Agree?
If the Gophers lose all 4 and have signed a weak recruiting class two weeks prior to the losing streak, the legacy-saver clause in Tubby's contract might be a hot topic.
Most likely we'll see over-reactionary responses to whatever Minnesota does in these 4 games, but ultimately dancing will be most dependent on conference performance. Unless they really stink it up in nonconference (8-5 or worse), I'm thinking 9-9 in conference gives them a good shot at making the tourney.
