BIG10 DARK HORSE
The Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Are they worth being ranked? They are 4-0 with blowout wins over New Mexico St, Western Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan St. The defense for this team has showed up in every game in a big way with Minnesota being ranked #1 in 3rd down defense, #2 in passing yards allowed, and #3 in rushing yards allowed, and of course fields the #1 overall defense statistically. Not to be outdone, Minnesota also sports the #3 offense in the nation only behind Tennessee and Ohio St. Stats and records do paint a picture that would lead one to believe this squad isn’t just worthy of being ranked in the top 25, but in the top 10 and just maybe contend in the College Football playoff. I guess its time for us all to hop on board and “row the boat.” A little tongue in cheek there but I believe we may see this Golden Gopher team in the Big 10 Championship game.
The Golden Gophers benefit from playing in the Big 10 West which doesn’t seem to have any juice to it this season. With Wisconsin and Iowa generating very little offense and showing very little promise for creating explosive plays, it seems like the perfect time for a balanced team like the Golden Gophers to represent the Big 10 West. Should they be ranked? I currently have Minnesota ranked 27th simply because I haven’t seen this team play a quality opponent and because they lack top tier talent. If I am Minnesota, forget about the rankings, forget about the media, and forget all of the distractions because if they can focus on each game individually, this team has a real chance in a weak division to be the cream that rises to the top. Minnesota does have a tough test against my #4 team in the country, Penn St, on Oct 22, and more will be discovered about this team then. Side bar—could also be a potential College Gameday destination if both remain undefeated. More immediate, Minnesota will host Purdue Saturday Morning at 10AM MST and will need to be alert early to the Jeff Brohm run Purdue offense. Except for star Wide Receiver Charlie Jones, Purdue doesn’t jump off the page statistically, but there is always the potential any given Saturday that they can embarrass an unprepared team.
My prediction: Minnesota shows up prepared and wins 34-20. Vegas line is -12.5 o/u 52.5
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