The good news? The Gophers cracked the top 100 in The Sporting News' list of top 100 college football teams for 2010.
Of course, there has to be some bad news, right? Well, first: there are only 120 Division I teams in the Bowl Subdivision. So the top 100 club isn't all that exclusive. And, well, the Gophers had an early entry into the list, clocking in at No. 98 according to TSN. Some of the high/lowlights:
2010 projected record: 2-10 (1-7 in Big Ten)
Why we know we're right: History has to play a role here. The Gophers have struggled over the second half of the last two seasons, winning just one of nine games in November and December. And now the schedule is front-loaded as well, including a big nonconference home game against USC and a dangerous season opener at — that's right, we're saying it — Middle Tennessee State. If Minnesota can't get a win at MTSU, the big ball of ugly will start to roll.
Our confidence level in this pick: High.
Coach's job security: Shaky. Fourth-year coach Tim Brewster has proven he can recruit; he hasn't proven he can develop players and win big games. Double-digit losses and empty seats in a new stadium could be trouble.
Sure, it's a little strange -- at least here -- to be thinking about college football in late May. But do you have similar pessimism or a stronger sense of optimism?
