The Opening Tip is a new feature to Gold in the Barn, with the goal being to share five nuggets -- mostly Gophers or Big Ten related but occasionally not -- every morning between 8 and 10. Dig it? Hate it? Want to see something specific in it? Send me feedback at amelia.rayno@startribune.com or tweet me @AmeliaRayno

Five quick tidbits today as I try to catch up, post writing cave.

1. Jerry Palm bracketology: I don't see Minnesota.
2. Joe Lunardi bracketology: I don't see Minnesota.

3. BTN's Big Ten power rankings have the Gophers at 8 -- remember that before the season, the media picked them at No. 9.

4. Tweeted: "Best practice of the year by far. Showed me our guys really care. Stick with us gophers fans. We need everybody on Tuesday!" -- @MNCoachPitino

5. Want to read more about the ugly loss at Ohio State and take a look at the field goal break down? From The Barn is the place.

[aside: sorry if this was a generally depressing ten minutes for you.]