Fans are justifiably upset with last Saturday’s loss to South Dakota but the extremists asking for the firing of coach Tim Brewster are wrong.
The Gophers have 10 games remaining on their schedule. Brewster, his staff and players deserve the opportunity to show what they can do in those games starting with Saturday’s home game against Southern California.
Brewster believes that his squad has more athleticism, football talent and potential than his previous teams. You can be sure University officials are going to give Brewster every chance in the weeks ahead to earn some wins. They’re not going to make a change in September.
The loss to a South Dakota team that is part of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) was a “hot poker” to the faces of angry fans who have been upset for decades with Gopher football. There was frustration coming into this season as Brewster started his fourth year with a losing record and fans found much to complain about after the 41-38 loss on Saturday.
But it makes no sense not to allow Brewster to see what he can do in the remaining nonconference games and the eight Big Ten Conference games that follow. No one knows how the Gophers will play in those games.
What’s certain is Gopher football has the potential to be better than it is, much better. The public should continue to be outspoken. The emails, phone calls and letters that are flying around this town might be the best hope for helping Brewster or whoever is coaching the Gophers in the years ahead.
A public demanding that the University make winning football a priority is a healthy first step. Historically the University has often made poor decisions regarding football and its importance, although the new football stadium is a valuable resource and step in the right direction. It’s time to thoroughly address all the problems and find solutions.
Loyal fans can recite the years of bad and mediocre football at Minnesota. They can complain about all the reasons it’s a challenge to win games here. They can even empathize with Minnesota coaches about smaller budgets compared to some Big Ten schools that spend more money on their football programs.
But action resulting from public outcry is what might move the dial forward. We need a constituency that demands Gophers football become a winning program. If you care, make your voice heard (repeatedly) via emails, phone calls and letters.