25. Minnesota Golden Gophers
2014 record: 8-5, 5-3 Big Ten
Returning starters: 7 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams
Key personnel losses: RB David Cobb, TE Maxx Williams, C Tommy Olson, G Zac Epping, DE Michael Amaefula, DT Cam Botticelli, LB Damien Wilson, S Cedric Thompson
Why they might finish higher: The Gophers continue to make strides under coach Jerry Kill, who guided them to an 8-5 record and their first New Year's Day bowl game in 52 years in 2014. There are some key pieces to replace on offense and defense this season, but the bulk of the two-deep depth chart is coming back.
Why they might finish lower: The Gophers are losing Cobb and Williams, their top two weapons on offense. Williams, who caught 36 passes for 569 yards with eight touchdowns, is entering the NFL draft after his sophomore season. Cobb ran for 1,626 yards and 13 touchdowns, and the Gophers will have a difficult time replacing his production. Quarterback Mitch Leidner played better in a 33-17 loss to Missouri in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl, but he has to continue to improve as a passer. The Gophers were too one-dimensional on offense this past season.
