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.