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When Tim Brewster was named the new head football coach at Minnesota, the initial reaction among Gophers fans was “Who?” His anonymity didn’t last long. Brewster, a long-time college and NFL assistant who was hired to replace Glen Mason, created an immediate buzz around the program with his non-stop enthusiasm and willingness to sell the program and connect with the fan base (areas where Mason fell considerably short). Brewster, most recently the tight ends coach with the Denver Broncos, used a number of motivational tactics to inspire his team this offseason, going so far as to have a section of the Rose Bowl turf cut out and delivered to his team following a spring practice. (The turf is being kept in the locker room.) It remains to be seen whether Brewster’s energy and enthusiasm will translate into more victories. Recruiting slipped under Mason in recent years, leaving the Gophers thin in talent at certain positions. And it’s hard to know how Brewster, a rookie head coach, and his staff will handle themselves once games start. The Gophers showed signs this spring that their maligned defense could be better, but the team will have a new quarterback and a new offense. Judging by the mood since Brewster’s arrival, the program also has a new attitude after becoming stale in Mason’s final seasons. The Gophers, however, will need more than a new attitude to make a move in the Big Ten this season. Minnesota fans have grown accustomed to their team playing in the postseason, but Gopher Nation, as Brewster calls it, desperately wants a trip to a New Year’s Day bowl game, something that hasn’t happened since the 1961 season. Brewster went a step further and promised a trip to Pasadena during his introductory press conference. “That’s my dream, that’s my goal and that’s my belief,” he said. “It will happen here sooner rather than later.” OFFENSEThe Gophers have a new offense and a new quarterback, which should make for an intriguing season. Offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar brings his wide-open spread attack from Cal, a radical departure from the team’s run-oriented reputation. The biggest question mark heading into the season is at quarterback. Junior Tony Mortensen and freshman Adam Weber enter fall camp as the frontrunners to replace three-year starter Bryan Cupito, the school’s all-time leading passer. Dunbar promised to emphasize the running game, too, and he has two solid tailbacks in senior Amir Pinnix and sophomore Jay Thomas. After a slow start, Pinnix rushed for 1,272 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. The offense has depth concerns along the line and at wide receiver. Injuries or inconsistent play at those positions could spell major trouble. DEFENSEMinnesota’s much-maligned defense showed some improvement in spring practice under new coordinator Everett Withers, who wants a more aggressive, attacking mentality. The line, which was badly outmanned at times last season, has the potential to be a strength this season. End Willie VanDeSteeg is a budding star (10 sacks in 2006), and the line finally has a solid two-deep. The linebacker corps underwent some personnel changes in order to get more speed and athleticism on the field. Most notably, Steve Davis, a two-year starter at end, moved to linebacker. The secondary remains the biggest concern. The Gophers finished 117th nationally in pass defense and still lack speed and depth on the back end. Cornerback Dominic Jones is arguably the team’s best player. Though undersized (5-foot-8, 190 pounds), Jones is a big hitter who is not afraid to line up in single coverage against the Big Ten’s elite wide receivers. Senior Dominique Barber was one of the team’s most improved players last season and needs to be a calming presence in the secondary. The defense still needs to solidify the other cornerback spot, find a strong safety and establish some depth. SPECIALISTSThe Gophers need more consistency from their kickers, but they have the potential to be very good in the return game. Jones was one of the Big Ten’s top return men last season. The coaching staff also is excited about the arrival of freshman Harold Howell, who had seven touchdowns on returns as a high school senior. FINAL ANALYSISQuestions at quarterback and receiver need to be answered before the Big Ten schedule begins. The defense, at least on paper, looks to be stronger upfront but it will be doubted until the results on the field improve. The schedule is definitely manageable. The Gophers do not play a BCS opponent in the non-conference, and open with Indiana, Northwestern and Illinois in the Big Ten. Still, Minnesota might need to pull off an upset or two just to become bowl eligible.
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