Minnesota tips off with Purdue today at 2:15 p.m. CT. Watch on Big Ten Network or listen live on 1500 -a.m.

Check out my full Big Ten preview, from yesterday's Star Tribune, here. Plus, my story on Minnesota's new conference season -- will this be the year the Gophers finally break out of the middle of the pack?

Five things to watch as the Gophers begin conference play:

Demeanor. First Big Ten game of the year, against a team that claimed a triple overtime win in West Lafayette last year before nearly snatching away another victory in Minneapolis when the Gophers nearly blew a double-digit lead. At times the Gophers looked tired or disinterested at the start of games a year ago. If Minnesota is as improved as we think, these Gophers should be amped, prepared and sharp. "I'm really, really excited," a grinning DeAndre Mathieu said through a raspy voice (he said it was from just regular Minnesota dry winters, not a cold). "I know you can't tell by my voice. But I'm really, really excited to get this second wind when the Big Ten actually starts."

Battling with Purdue. Let's be honest: this year's Gophers are not exactly big and imposing. Their only real power forward options are Joey King (6-foot-9, 235 pounds) and Charles Buggs (6-9, 220). Center Mo Walker has developed into a very good offensive post player, but he's still not the type to bang around under the hoop or fight for rebounds. Overall, Minnesota ranks second-to-last in the Big Ten in defensive rebounding percentage. All of that is a little troublesome in a matchup with a program that has traditionally been among the league's most physical. Inside, centers Isaac Haas and particularly AJ Hammons (fifth best in the nation in block percentage) are capable of blocking shots and living on the boards). Can the Gophers match up?

Road trends. Minnesota nabbed a pair of signature wins against ranked teams -- Wisconsin and Ohio State -- at home last season, but with only a pair of conference wins away from Williams Arena, the NCAA committee had a hard time being too impressed. Specifically, the Gophers haven't won at Purdue in a stunning ten years -- with last year being the closest they got. That win-loss record on the road can't happen again if Minnesota expects to make the Big Dance this time around and with the way Purdue is playing as of late, this one should go in the victory column.

The press. The Gophers aren't playing mid-majors anymore. Last year at this time, the press didn't look nearly so good, but its effectiveness also dropped off a lot in conference play to the point of where coach Richard Pitino largely abandoned it down the stretch. I expect Minnesota won't be able to maintain its national No. 1 ranking in steals forever, now that league play is beginning, but based on what we've seen, the Gophers should be better against good competition this year. Can they make Purdue play their style today? The tests start now.

Let 'em fly. Purdue is ranked a stunning 298th in the country in three-point defense heading into today's game, allowing opponents to shoot 37.7 percent from beyond the arc. Coincidentally, that happens to be one of Minnesota's strengths, probably much more so than anyone, included Pitino expected. The Gophers shot 39.8 percent through the non-conference schedule -- led by Andre Hollins' 47.8 percent accuracy -- and if they aren't seeing hands in their faces this afternoon, they could have a big day from downtown.