I'm trying, I'm trying! But it's hard to see the Gophers winning four conference games - if they do, I'll be very, very happy - but it's a tough road. 7-5 overall?
Iowa - Not a very good football team. They won't be able to pass against us, a good O line but who knows what they have at running back. I am pretty sure they won't run against us like they did last year. Our offense will be much better
Northwestern - We should have won last year. That was the game where Edwards tried to return the opening kick, it bounced off his chest and NW recovered. Mark had a big game for them. Like Iowa, I am pretty sure they won't run against us this year like they did last year. We are good against the pass and our O will be much better this year.
Indiana - I watched the spring game and they are much better but still not quite there. They remind me of TT but without a very good defense.
That brings us to 7 wins - 3 in the big 10. The other win will come from Wisconsin, Nebraska or Penn State. All three teams will take us lightly and will not be up for the game. On the other hand the Gophers will have an ax to grind.
Wisconsin - A good team but a new coach and a new scheme. Limegrover and Claeys are good at exploiting weaknesses and mistakes
Nebraska - Defense is suspect as is their passing game. They still see themselves as the Nebraska of the Tom Osborne years. They are not. They will show up with the feeling that Minnesota should feel privileged to be on the same field as them. Northwestern beat them in Lincoln two years ago and Neb only won by a point last year. Also last year OSU put up 63 points on them and in the B10 title game Wisconsin took them to the cleaners to the tune of 70 points. I predict this will be Bo's last year
Penn State - Same as Neb. They won't take us seriously and this year reality sets in. They will be a down program for a long time.
So... 8 - 4 this year - 4 wins in non-conference and 4 conference wins.
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