The Gophers are 12-1 and ranked No. 11 in the Associated Press poll heading into Monday's Big Ten opener against Michigan State. A variety of circumstances have contributed to a trend the Gophers would like to shake this season: a Big Ten drop-off after encouraging signs during nonconference play. A season-by-season look at the Gophers under coach Tubby Smith:2007-08: 10-2nonconference; 8-10 Big Ten; postseason: first-round NIT loss
2008-09:12-0 nonconference;9-9 Big Ten; postseason: first-round NCAA loss
2009-10:9-3 nonconference; 9-9 Big Ten; postseason: first-round NCAA loss
2010-11:11-1 nonconference;6-12Big Ten; no postseason play
2011-12:12-1nonconference; 6-12Big Ten; postseason: lost in NIT title game
