The perennially balanced Big Ten seems as stacked from top to bottom as any year. As for where the Gophers belong in the mix, no one seems to really know. Minnesota has been ranked anywhere from third in the league to 11th, depending on the publication. The Gophers have as many important veterans as any Big Ten team, strong depth in the backcourt and four starters returning. What they don't have are any preseason first- or second-team All-Big Ten players and any recent history of strong league success. It's fair to say it would surprise many if Minnesota was able to challenge top dog Wisconsin and battle other top-tier programs such as Michigan State, Ohio State and Nebraska.

Amelia Rayno