BleedGopher
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per Sherman:
The season begins next week -- huzzah! -- and so does the chase for the four spots in the second College Football Playoff.
Ohio State is a heavy favorite to return to the playoff, and Michigan State has also been mentioned as a strong candidate. But are there any other Big Ten teams with a shot? Remember that TCU came pretty much out of nowhere last year to almost make the field.
Who is a Big Ten playoff sleeper? Let's discuss.
Mitch Sherman: Minnesota
Stop laughing. I realize the Gophers open with No. 2 TCU and must play at Ohio State in Week 10. Forget for a moment, though, about November and consider only what would happen if Minnesota beats the Horned Frogs next week in Minneapolis. Is it a long shot? Sure, but it's not inconceivable behind a shutdown secondary and an experienced quarterback in Mitch Leidner, who will limit mistakes and an energized atmosphere. So let's say the Gophers take down TCU. They may just roll off eight wins to open the season, which brings us to Nov. 7 at the Horseshoe. No, I don't give Minnesota much of a shot to win at Ohio State. But we're looking for a dark horse here. It's safe to say that of legitimate contenders to win a Big Ten division, Minnesota best fits the profile of a sleeper. And the Gophers actually get a chance to prove their worth against the nation's best.
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/122643/b1g-roundtable-playoff-sleepers
Go Gophers!!
The season begins next week -- huzzah! -- and so does the chase for the four spots in the second College Football Playoff.
Ohio State is a heavy favorite to return to the playoff, and Michigan State has also been mentioned as a strong candidate. But are there any other Big Ten teams with a shot? Remember that TCU came pretty much out of nowhere last year to almost make the field.
Who is a Big Ten playoff sleeper? Let's discuss.
Mitch Sherman: Minnesota
Stop laughing. I realize the Gophers open with No. 2 TCU and must play at Ohio State in Week 10. Forget for a moment, though, about November and consider only what would happen if Minnesota beats the Horned Frogs next week in Minneapolis. Is it a long shot? Sure, but it's not inconceivable behind a shutdown secondary and an experienced quarterback in Mitch Leidner, who will limit mistakes and an energized atmosphere. So let's say the Gophers take down TCU. They may just roll off eight wins to open the season, which brings us to Nov. 7 at the Horseshoe. No, I don't give Minnesota much of a shot to win at Ohio State. But we're looking for a dark horse here. It's safe to say that of legitimate contenders to win a Big Ten division, Minnesota best fits the profile of a sleeper. And the Gophers actually get a chance to prove their worth against the nation's best.
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/122643/b1g-roundtable-playoff-sleepers
Go Gophers!!