Murderers' row

A look at the opponents the Gophers will face over their next nine games

Illinois (4-2, No. 13)

The Illini were ranked as high as No. 5 in the AP poll, but are coming off a loss at Missouri.

When: Tuesday at Illinois

Saint Louis (4-0, No. 27)

The Billikens gave LSU its only loss so far — and that was without All-Atlantic 10 big man Hassan French.

When: Sunday

Iowa (6-0, No. 3)

The Hawkeyes, led by national player of the year candidate Luka Garza, have their highest ranking since 2016.

When: Dec. 25 and Jan. 10 or 11 at Iowa

Michigan State (6-0, No. 4)

The Spartans were supposed be down after the All-America Cassius Winston graduated, but Tom Izzo is a Hall of Fame coach.

When: Dec. 28

Wisconsin (4-1, No. 12)

The Badgers were ranked as high as No. 4 before losing to Marquette, giving the Big Ten three top 5 teams for the first time since 1987.

When: Dec. 31 at Wisconsin

Ohio State (5-0, No. 20)

The Buckeyes lost twice to the Gophers last season, but they've reloaded to remain a Big Ten contender.

When: Jan. 3

Michigan (6-0, No. 25)

Juwan Howard's squad squeaked by Penn State in the Big Ten's first game this season Sunday, but the Wolverines have potential.

When: Jan. 6 at Michigan and Jan. 16