Fansided

10 college football teams riding wave of momentum into 2020 after bowl games

By Jordan Alexis

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Oregon (34) Jordon Scott (DT) celerbates after the Rose Bowl game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Oregon Ducks on January 1, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Oregon (34) Jordon Scott (DT) celerbates after the Rose Bowl game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Oregon Ducks on January 1, 2020 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 1: The Minnesota Gophers posed for their team photo after defeating the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (Photo by Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 1: The Minnesota Gophers posed for their team photo after defeating the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (Photo by Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /

2. Minnesota

One of the most impressive wins of the bowl season was Minnesota’s 31-24 win over the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl. The Golden Gophers came out of nowhere this season to start 9-0 but were unable to win their biggest division games, which cost them a Big Ten title berth. However, an 11-2 finish with a bowl victory is something, not even the most loyal Minnesota fans could have imagined.

The team is going to look different in 2020 as they have to replace a chunk of players on defense (likely four returning starters), and will lose Tyler Johnson and Rodney Smith on offense. They will, however, keep starting quarterback Tanner Morgan and elite receiver Rashod Bateman so expect the offense to carry the team early on.

One thing that isn’t working in Minnesota favor is the schedule. In 2019 they were able to stockpile wins before facing their biggest tests. That won’t be the case in 2020. They face Iowa week three and will have Wisconsin and Michigan back to back in the middle of the year. So by midseason, we’ll know if PJ Fleck’s squad is genuinely ready to become a consistent threat in the Big Ten West.

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