It actually seems easier now than it has in past decades because of the big ten restructuring and the CFB playoff:
1. win the very win-able big ten west
2. get lucky and win big ten title game
3. 9 times out of ten this gets you a playoff berth
4. beat some overrated SEC teams and house the natty
BOOM we're back
I very much agree with your outline, but after watching Georgia and Oklahoma we are a ways off. Those teams didn't have just one difference maker. On defense when he is healthy Winfield makes plays, Cashman comes up big when he gets the opportunity. For me it kinda ends about there on offense or defense if we are comparing them to the 5 to 7 guys who jumped out on each of those two teams. Scouting: who scares you from the other team? Gophers haven't got anybody on offense. It wasn't Rodney Smith in 2017...2016 maybe. 2018 will it be Vic, Bateman, Autman-Bell, Spann-Ford, Dunlap or anybody on offense? Chryst talking about Taylor beating Adrian Peterson's yardage record.."Any idea he'd be this good?" His response, along the lines of are you serious? I had no clue. So, hopefully, somebody steps up and we have some people who opponents have to account for. Until then, we ain't doin' nuthin'