#11-MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS

Jerry Kill enters his fourth year in Minneapolis with an experienced and deep team following a surprising 8 win campaign in 2013. Can Minnesota take the next step as a program? History tells us no.

Mitch Leidner is the man behind center after finishing the year for the Gophers and following the departure of Philip Nelson. David Cobb is back for his senior year after rushing for over 1200 yards in the fall of 2013. 6 of the top 7 WRs return for Minnesota which should bolster a passing attack that bordered on brutal last year. The offensive and defensive lines return plenty of veterans which will aid in the Gophers desire to play power football. Three starters also return for a secondary that could end up being one of the best in the league.

An interesting trip to TCU compliments 3 extremely winnable home games during Minnesota's non-conference slate. A win at TCU could propel the Gophers into conference play and make them a dark horse to compete for the division title. As we see it however, once Big Ten play starts, Minnesota will once again realize they are Minnesota. A trip (and loss) to Michigan opens up the conference schedule and it ends with an extremely difficult Iowa, Ohio State, Nebraska, Wisconsin 4 game finish.

PREDICTION: 3-5 IN THE BIG TEN, 7-5 OVERALL.