Sorting through the Big Ten’s second tier: Who still has a shot at contention?

[MisterGopher]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/67...cond-tier-who-still-has-a-shot-at-contention/

Minnesota (3-2, 1-1)​

Path to contention: The Gophers have an advantageous schedule. Only one of their final seven opponents is ranked, and five of them played in the old Big Ten West (all but Illinois). Redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey has quietly made strides, and running back Darius Taylor, who has seen limited action since the season opener, is one of the league’s top runners when healthy.

Key game: Oct. 17 vs. Nebraska. If Minnesota wants to entertain a modicum of hope, it must beat Nebraska. The Gophers haven’t lost at home to the Huskers in 10 years.

Fatal flaw: Minnesota doesn’t have an elite trait, either on offense or defense. Without a healthy Taylor, its running game has languished near the Big Ten’s bottom. If Minnesota can’t run, it won’t contend for anything beyond a bowl bid.

 

[RememberMurray]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/67...cond-tier-who-still-has-a-shot-at-contention/

Minnesota (3-2, 1-1)​

Path to contention: The Gophers have an advantageous schedule. Only one of their final seven opponents is ranked, and five of them played in the old Big Ten West (all but Illinois). Redshirt freshman quarterback Drake Lindsey has quietly made strides, and running back Darius Taylor, who has seen limited action since the season opener, is one of the league’s top runners when healthy.

Key game: Oct. 17 vs. Nebraska. If Minnesota wants to entertain a modicum of hope, it must beat Nebraska. The Gophers haven’t lost at home to the Huskers in 10 years.

Fatal flaw: Minnesota doesn’t have an elite trait, either on offense or defense. Without a healthy Taylor, its running game has languished near the Big Ten’s bottom. If Minnesota can’t run, it won’t contend for anything beyond a bowl bid.

Update... as of now, Minnesota is 4-2 (2-1). Two of our final 6 opponents are now ranked:

— Nebraska #25

— Oregon #8