UGLY loss, turns to gain for Gophers

The loss to North Dakota State was ugly and embarrassing (not as bad as Michigan's loss though :) ). Ultimately it is not that big of a deal. This is probably the most talented team NDSU has ever had. They have won a handful of Division II National Championships but this team is clearly the most talented team they have ever had. And this is one of the worst gopher teams we have seen in a long time (if not ever). Congratulations to the Bison and their fans, but gopher fans shouldn't too worked up over this.

A smaller program at their peak beating a larger program at their rock bottom really is not a significant statement. Is this the absolute low point of the program? I don't know that this is any lower than we've been all year. NDSU is probably a better football team than Bowling Green, Miami (OH) and certainly Florida Atlantic. Being classified as 1AA (or whatever it is) is the only reason people are worked up.

I've said this all year and I stick with it. Wins and losses this season are meaningless. Recruiting and bringing in talented football players is all that matters. Conventional wisdom would tell you that winning some games would help with recruiting but after every home loss Tim Brewster manages to get kids to commit the golden gophers. This weekend was no exception.

WR - Brandon Green - visited this weekend and has committed. This is huge. The Chicago area receiver a very talented 4-star player who has been on the radar of gopher fans for months. Signing Green will greatly reduce the impact of not landing Michael Floyd (should he commit elsewhere). As a junior Green racked up 1,800+ yds and had 21 touchdowns. Green and Minnesota native Sam Maresh are the 2 biggest verbals the gophers have received to this date.

Ath - Johnny Johnson - teammate of Green's. Johnson had interest from Illinois, Indiana and other midwest mid-major schools. Likely, Johnson will contribute at CB or possibly slot receiver.

OT - Josh Campion - is the first recruit for the 2009 class. The 6'5", 265 lb junior and one of the best prospects who will come out of Minnesota next year.

Landing a WR who will likely play immediately, an athlete who will likely red shirt and add some talented depth over his career and one of the top juniors in the state is pretty good on a day they lost to a 1AA school at home. It sucks to lose and likely run the season at 1-11, but brining in more talent so this doesn't happen again is what is most important.