ESPN has updated its power index through last night's games and it gives MN the chances shown above along with an 18% likelihood that the Gophers will win nine games, a 5% chance they will win ten and a 90% probability that they'll win six games.
From easiest to toughest conference games remaining, I'd rank MN's opponents as follows: 1-IL, 2-NE, 3-MD, 4-PUR, 5-MSU, 6-NW, 7-IA, 8-WI and 9-MI. Road games at NW, IA and MI will be tough. NW might have a grudge after the targeting incident in last year's game.
IA plays MN after facing NW on the road and before taking on Ohio State at home. MN plays IL at home the week before the IA game. All of this might help the Gophers.
By the time NW plays MN, they will have faced WI, PSU, MD, IA, MSU, NE and PUR. Injuries could take quite a toll by then. The week after NE plays at MN, they face PSU on the road. WI plays IA and MI at home prior to traveling to MN to play the Gophers in the last game of the year.
It's not just who your opponent is and where you play them--it's when you play them, as well.
From easiest to toughest conference games remaining, I'd rank MN's opponents as follows: 1-IL, 2-NE, 3-MD, 4-PUR, 5-MSU, 6-NW, 7-IA, 8-WI and 9-MI. Road games at NW, IA and MI will be tough. NW might have a grudge after the targeting incident in last year's game.
IA plays MN after facing NW on the road and before taking on Ohio State at home. MN plays IL at home the week before the IA game. All of this might help the Gophers.
By the time NW plays MN, they will have faced WI, PSU, MD, IA, MSU, NE and PUR. Injuries could take quite a toll by then. The week after NE plays at MN, they face PSU on the road. WI plays IA and MI at home prior to traveling to MN to play the Gophers in the last game of the year.
It's not just who your opponent is and where you play them--it's when you play them, as well.
