The Gophers cracked the top 10 in the national volleyball coaches poll Monday, jumping two spots to No. 9 — and No. 7 in RPI — after two victories over Wisconsin last week.

The RPI is one of the tools used by the NCAA Selection Committee to set its 64-team postseason tournament. Unbeaten Southern California is No. 1 in the poll. Nebraska, Minnesota's opponent on Friday night in Lincoln, Neb., is ranked third.

It's the highest ranking for the Gophers in two years. Four Big Ten teams are in the RPI top 10: Nebraska (No. 3), Ohio State (fourth), the Gophers and Penn State (ninth).

The Gophers, Huskers and Ohio State are in a three-way tie for first place in the Big Ten, all at 7-1.

The Gophers play Iowa on Saturday in Iowa City.

UND nickname voting

The University of North Dakota opened voting Monday for a new nickname, with five choices to replace Fighting Sioux. New options are: Fighting Hawks, Nodaks, North Stars, Roughriders and Sundogs. The Wild's Zach Parise, who wore the Sioux name on his jersey at North Dakota, said Monday that he doesn't care for any of the new options.

The Fighting Sioux nickname was erased in 2012 under pressure from the NCAA because of its potential to offend American Indians.

Those eligible to vote anonymously online are students, alumni, university faculty and staff, donors and season-ticket holders. Voters can cast only one ballot between now and 11:59 p.m. Friday.

Michigan kickoff at 6

The Gophers announced that kickoff for their next football game — Oct. 31 against Michigan at TCF Bank Stadium — will be at 6 p.m. on ESPN, an hour earlier than originally scheduled.

Etc.

• Gophers tennis players Felix Corwin and Matic Spec won the ITA Central Region doubles championship in Arkansas, and a berth in the National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships next month in New York.