Big Ten rankings: Who is the biggest threat to Ohio State’s conference crown?

2. Biggest threats to Ohio State in the Big Ten: Minnesota

The Minnesota Golden Gophers went on quite the run last season. After a series of close games early in the season, including a one-possession win against FCS South Dakota State, the Gophers seemed to find their stride, especially on defense.

After giving up 30 or more points three of its first four games, the Gophers gave up 30 only once more the entire season. The defense was solid, surrendering just over 300 yards per game. The offense was a balanced attack that averaged over 430 yards.

Does the qualify the Golden Gophers to compete with the Buckeyes for Big Ten supremacy? They will certainly have every opportunity to win the Big Ten West. Wisconsin is replacing high-caliber NFL talent on offense and defense this season.

Nebraska could still be a year or two away from contending. The Iowa Hawkeyes, much like Wisconsin is replacing elite, NFL talent. The Big Ten West is ripe for the picking for the Gophers.

Though Minnesota is 86th in returning production, they return 86 percent of their offensive output from last season. Often defense comes together sooner than defense, and they lost a lot of talent from that side of the ball.

Not only did the Gophers lose a load of defense talent, but four of those players, including safety Antoine Winfield, Jr., were also NFL draft picks. It will be interesting to see if the Gophers are ready to replace NFL talent and keep chugging.

With so much turnover in the division, Minnesota will have every opportunity to prove their staying power in the Big Ten West. Does that mean they can defeat Ohio State?