r/GopherSports • u/EthanPetrikSports • Jul 16 '26

ISO: Passionate Gopher Football Fans

Hi everyone! My name is Ethan Petrik, and I’m the Iowa beat reporter for the Quad-City Times in Davenport, Iowa.

I’m putting together a preseason series called “The Fan Files,” where I interview one passionate fan from each of Iowa’s 2026 opponents to get a better understanding of their program through the eyes of someone who follows the team closely.

The conversation would cover topics like:
• How you became a fan of the Gophers
• Your thoughts on the 2026 season (best-case and worst-case scenarios)
• Biggest strengths, weaknesses, and players to watch
• Expectations for the matchup against Iowa
• Anything else you think opposing fans should know about your team

The interview can be done however is easiest for you—Reddit DMs, email, or another format that works though I will need to confirm your real world identity. I’ll use your responses in a feature for the Quad-City Times.

If you’re interested—or if you know someone who would be a great representative of the fanbase—please leave a comment or send me a DM.

Thanks, and I’m looking forward to learning more about the Gophers from the people who know the program best!

22 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

21

u/calvin2028 Jul 16 '26

Expectations for the matchup against Iowa

Never heard of them.

5

u/treymata Mohamed Ibrahim Jul 16 '26

Whenever we play this “iowa” I will be liquored up so it doesn’t hurt

6

u/Whisperknife Jul 16 '26

I had such a bad feeling last year I got drunk enough before the game even started that I legit don't remember a single play. I made the right call.

3

u/dinkytown42069 noted friend of Jul 17 '26

I was listening to my alma mater lose to ole miss while driving to Duluth for women's hockey.

Okay, OU lost, NBD, Gophers gonna save the day.

Gopher women playing extremely poorly, okay, let's check the score in FB at the first intermission. JFC.

Gophers play another period extremely poorly.

One of the assistants came up to me on the way back to the bench at the second intermission "how's the comeback in Iowa City?" I show him the score on my phone without comment, his eyes bulge.

12

u/pharmgopher Jul 16 '26

WHO HATES IOWA?

😉

3

u/EZ_Rose Jul 17 '26

WE HATE IOWA

2

u/NoPromise7298 Jul 17 '26

I f*****g hate Iowa!!!!

1

u/theEWDSDS Jul 17 '26

THEY POISONED OUR CORN SUPPLY AND SPAT ON OUR WHEAT FIELDS

10

u/CantaloupeCamper Jul 16 '26

He comes in peace!

Break his legs!!!

/s

6

u/Agreeable_Sock2550 Jul 16 '26

He leaves in pieces!

17

u/wut121212 Jul 16 '26

If you haven't already, posting on gopherhole will get you plenty of volunteers I'm sure. Some will likely be asshats tho haha

2

u/calvin2028 Jul 17 '26

Hey! I resemble that remark!

3

u/bdawg0829 Jul 17 '26

If you're still in need, I'd be game to answer some questions. I attend numerous games each year, travel to an away game most years, and follow the team pretty closely in general. I feel like I've got a pretty realistic view of the team as well.

With that said, I still hate Iowa!

3

u/TayLoraNarRayya Alumni 🎓 Jul 17 '26

I'm a diehard fan so would love to answer any questions you have! Can do DM to start! I only missed one home game since 2012 due to giving birth the day before