FELDY: Phersy, before we get into the Texas Bowl breakdown, happy holidays to you and your family, especially your month-old baby boy. They really make Christmas special. Now, enough of that, people might think we actually like one another. Let's talk about the winning football team in the Twin Cities. The Gophers are in Houston, ready to battle Syracuse at 5 p.m. Friday. What can we expect from this club after a month off?
PHERSY: Feldy, I'm glad you cut short the mushy stuff. But Merry Christmas to you and all those women who run your house. As for the Gophers, above all else, my eyes will be focused upon the play of quarterback Phil Nelson. If he wants that starting job next year, he needs to show it right now. There's a reason this coaching staff hasn't give up on him yet. He's extremely talented. But Nelson must improve his decision-making and accuracy, or it's time to move on.
FELDY: Nelson's play is themain thing to watch in Friday's game. The great part about qualifying for a bowl game is the Gophers had a free month of practice. Yes, they were getting ready to play Syracuse, but the coaching staff also used the time to evaluate players for next season. That includes Nelson and backup Mitch Leidner. I wouldn't be shocked if we both of them play on Friday and if Nelson continues to struggle, the QB competition will be wide open come spring ball. … Phersy, the Gophers ranked 27th nationally in defense this season, but some key players will be moving on, specifically Ra'Shede Hageman and Brock Vereen. How do the Gophs replace those guys?
PHERSY: Feldy it's interesting you mention those two players, because I actually think they're well equipped to handle both losses. With Hageman, you can't really replace a talent like that. However, the Gophers did a great job of switching players in all season long on the defensive line. They were grooming several players to take over for Hageman. Vereen will be missed for his leadership, more than for his play. Yes, he was a four-year starter, and at times, Vereen looked like an elite safety. But he also was inconsistent. He'd make an incredible play and follow it up with a missed tackle. Of course, I'm harder on Vereen than most. But Vereen definitely was a leader, so someone else will need to fill that role. ... Feldy, the Texas Bowl is far from sexy. How does this team need to do to get into a better bowl next season?
FELDY: A good start would be to win these less-than-sexy bowl games they get invited to. A good follow-up would be to continue to beat or be competitive against the top teams in the Big Ten. The Gophers beat Nebraska and Penn State this season. That's a nice step toward a better bowl, and, let's face it, Phersy, Nebraska got a better bowl bid only because they supposedly travel better. Jerry Kill's teams have a track record of improving each season. Winning more than eight games next year will be a tall task, but it's do-able. There's no reason this team can't be playing on New Year's Day, 2015.
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PHERSY: Feldy, that makes me think of something I heard on the Tom Barnard Show recently. He was talking about Minnesota sports teams and how Minnesota fans deserved much better. And I couldn't disagree more. Why? Because if we truly supported this Gophers football team, they'd be in a New Year's Day bowl game this year. But Minnesota doesn't even sell out TCF Bank Stadium when the Gophers have a good team, so why would a top-end bowl want to bring in the Gophers and their handful of fans? Yes, winning games is a must, but if we want the Gophers to receive major bowl consideration, we need to support them. There's no reason for empty seats at the Bank.
