B1G Schedule Breakdown: Minnesota

I get that no one around here really cares about Minnesota football 364 days out of the year. But when we lace it up against them on November 3rd, we'll be playing for the 3rd oldest sports trophy in North America. That in itself, should be at least a little intriguing.

Previously:
Leaders: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin
Legends: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern

Minnesota Golden Gophers
2011 Overall Record: 3-9
2011 Big Ten Record: 2-6

Date	Opponent
Aug 30	@ UNLV
Sept 8	New Hampshire
Sept 15	Western Michigan
Sept 22	Syracuse
Sept 29	@ Iowa
Oct 13	Northwestern
Oct 20	@ Wisconsin
Oct 27	Purdue
Nov 3	Michigan
Nov 10	@ Illinois
Nov 17	@ Nebraska
Nov 24	Michigan State

Do Not Play
Indiana
Penn State
Ohio State

Biggest Game
Hmm. I'll say Wisconsin just because. It doesn't really matter.

Non-Conference Loss
You know, I really don't want to pile on here, but last season the Gophers went 1-3 in non-conf games, although they did show some fight. I suspect more of the same will be the case in 2012. In their first game last season they lost at USC 17-19...in what can only be considered a very inspired performance under new head coach Jerry Kill.

It's a Trap!
I said it a year ago and I'll say it again:

Actually, Minnesota is the trap game for a lot of other B1G schools. The Gophers aren't good enough to have a trap game at this point.

The Game Destined for ESPN3.com
New Hampshire on Sept 8th.

Final Analysis
The Legends division is strong again this year. That will take it's toll on the Gophers just as it did last season. The transition to the Jerry Kill era has been very rough at times, both on the field and off. Minnesota returns the team's leading passer/rusher Marqueis Gray, but must replace a host of major contributors on both sides of the ball. It's going to be a rough season in Minneapolis.

Fearless Predictions
Non-conference record: 1-3
Division Record: 0-5
Crossover Record: 0-3
Overall: 1-11
Bowl: N/A