**Written by: Jon Firman**
With fans returning in full-force to TCF Bank Stadium – err, we mean Huntington Bank Stadium, excitement is sky high for the 2021 Gophers football season to kickoff. And this year, the Gophers have a rare season opener vs a Big Ten foe, but it’s not just any Big Ten team, it’s national title contending Ohio State Buckeyes.
As it stands, the Gophers are currently getting +1800 to win the Big Ten this season. But an upset win over the Buckeyes in the first week would be a huge start to a special season. The Gophers haven’t won a Big Ten title since it was co-champions in 1967, and Minnesota hasn’t qualified for the Big Ten Championship game since the league went to the format.
But this is most experienced team in the PJ Fleck era at Minnesota, a team with an experienced QB, offensive line and the best running back in the Big Ten in Mo Ibrahim.
Very early betting lines have the Gophers as 13 point underdogs, but a rocking Gopher crowd, a fired up coaching staff and a team and a program ready to show the college football world it’s ready to contend for a Big Ten title will be on full display.