A tougher road ahead
The scheduling stars aligned for the Gophers this season, helping them start 9-0, which gave them a chance to win the Big Ten West before a 1-2 finish. Next year, the Gophers still won’t draw Ohio State, but it’s a more difficult road ahead. Star Tribune staff writer Megan Ryan looks at the Gophers’ 2020 schedule:
Sept. 3 vs. Fla. Atlantic
Lane Kiffin’s Owls won Conference USA’s East division at 9-3.
Sept. 12 vs. Tenn. Tech
The Eagles were 6-6 in the FCS this season.
Sept. 19 vs. Iowa
The Gophers will want payback in an earlier-than-usual “Floyd” clash.
Sept. 26 vs. BYU
The Cougars went 7-5 this season, beating Boise State and USC.
Oct. 3 at Maryland
Gophers won 52-10 this year. Terrapins had only one Big Ten win.
Oct. 10 at Wisconsin
An early return to Camp Randall, where the U won 37-15 in 2018.
Oct. 17 vs. Michigan
The Wolverines are 9-3 in coach Jim Harbaugh’s fifth season.
Oct. 24 at Illinois
Illini are bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014.
Oct. 31 at Michigan State
The Gophers are 0-5 against the Spartans since 2010.
Nov. 7 vs. Purdue
Standout receiver Rondale Moore should return healthy.
Nov. 21 vs. Northwestern
The Wildcats finished 1-8 this season in the Big Ten.
Nov. 27 at Nebraska
A Black Friday finale against a team that underachieved at 5-7.

Serena Williams says she will retire from tennis after one more U.S. Open
Serena Williams says she is 'evolving away from tennis'
Sports on TV and radio

Nine players to watch at Wednesday's MLS All-Star Game
