That the Brewers have completely and utterly capitulated their hopes at making some miracle push to the playoffs, I feel completely content to turn toward my football teams -- the Almighty Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Green Bay Packers.
Since the Gophers start up Saturday at Syracuse (and former Dukie point guard Greg Paulus!!), I'll start with them. I can not wait to see what another year of recruiting and time in the weight room has done for both lines. Getting more bulk and experience along the offensive line is absolutely key for this team. The ability to gain some tough yards to ice a game or to sufficiently protect Adam Weber during comebacks was sorely lacking last year. Between Notre Dame transfer Matt Carufel at guard and B-I-G Jeff Wills (6'7", 375 lbs!), there is certainly an infusion of bulk and talent... Now, whether or not this translates into more protection and better consistent offensive production remains to be seen.
I am sold on the talent and drive of QB Adam Weber and WR Eric Decker (glad to see he gave up baseball to focus on an NFL career), but am more than a little concerned with the depth, or lack thereof, in our running back stable. It's great that Bennett, Eskridge, and Whaley are all freshmen and sophomores, but nothing they did last year really jumped out at me and screamed game-breaker. To be fair, they are young and the line and offense were not geared toward a consistent ground attack. It is going to be fascinating to see what offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch brings to the Gophs on a week-to-week basis.
For a really detailed look at Fisch's work ethic and stated goal of becoming a head coach, check out the following story (http://www.startribune.com/sports/gophers/56664647.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUjc8LDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr)
It was pretty impressive to see his drive, and how he has pushed himself so hard for so long to reach it. At the very least, where he's at now is a testament to the value of sheer determination and hard work. Slogging through the workaday week can pay off if you have a goal in mind...
