Two brief Gopher mentions in latest Pat Forde column

[parkinglotgopher]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&page=dash0904&sportCat=ncf

The Dash suspects that after a week of warnings about a letdown, USC went in psyched up -- then flatlined after taking a 10-0 lead, thinking it had the game won. That was probably a shallow emotional wellspring after the battle with Ohio State, and it went dry quickly. An early two-score lead can boomerang on a team in a hurry -- just ask Troy (up 14-0 to down 31-14 vs. Bowling Green), San Diego State (up 14-3 then down 33-14 vs. UCLA) and California (up 14-0 on Minnesota, then tied at 21 before pulling away in the fourth quarter).

Then later on...

Wisconsin (28). Record: 3-0, with victories over Northern Illinois, Fresno State and Wofford. Sagarin ranking: 16. When the first loss will come: When the Badgers finally hit the road for the first time, visiting Minnesota Oct. 3. Verdict: More pretender than contender. After benefiting from an unimposing schedule, Wisconsin still has much to prove.

 

[calminnfan]

whew...he was referring to Wisconsin being more a pretender then contender. Had me a little nervous there. As for the Cal comment, some believe that, and there may be some truth there, though I thought the Gophers played very well after the first few drives.