Why they won't …
Ohio State has all the talent, motivation and momentum a coach could want. They should be locked-in, driving toward not only a Big Ten title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. They have as many playmakers, including breakout star QB J.T. Barrett, pictured, as all the Gophers' conference opponents to date have combined.
Why they might …
In the Gophers' four biggest recent victories — Nebraska, Penn State, Michigan, Iowa — they had strong starts and halftime leads. In their letdowns, they've stumbled at the start. If the Gophers hang tough from the opening kick, don't give up big plays and allow Mitch Leidner to build confidence in the pocket, expect an exciting fourth quarter.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Sports
Arsenal is taking the Premier League title race to the wire after extending winning streak
The Premier League title race looks to be going to the wire. There's no sign of an end-of-season collapse by Arsenal this time.
Sports
The Kentucky Derby could be a wet one. Early favorites Fierceness, Sierra Leone have won in the slop
Twenty horses stampeding toward the first turn in a battle for position. A screaming crowd of 150,000 and maybe some showers that dampen the Churchill Downs dirt strip.
Sports
Ipswich back in the Premier League for first time since 2002. Tom Brady's Birmingham relegated
Ipswich will play in the Premier League for the first time since 2002 after securing the second automatic promotion spot from the second-tier Championship on Saturday.
Sports
Tyronn Lue says he wants to keep coaching Clippers, passes on addressing speculation over Lakers
Tyronn Lue said he wants to be coach of the Los Angeles Clippers for the longterm and declined to address directly speculation that the Lakers would target him in their search after firing Darvin Ham.
Sports
Kyrie Irving is still perfect in elimination games, and moving on with Luka Doncic and the Mavs
Kyrie Irving wowed the crowd with a crossover move that helped create just enough space for him to let fly with a leaning 3-pointer.