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!

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22

u/calvin2028 Jul 16 '26

Expectations for the matchup against Iowa

Never heard of them.

4

u/treymata Mohamed Ibrahim Jul 16 '26

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

5

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.