The Gophers have possession of a prized water jug. They're refreshed physically and mentally from a bye week. They've heard nothing but compliments and attaboys since returning from Michigan.
By all accounts, Gophers football enjoyed a glorious week, but now it's back to business and everything about this team and this season comes down to two little words:
Now what?
We've seen this movie before, right? Big win, lots of optimism, bandwagon starts to fill up and … splat.
The clock strikes midnight and another Gophers season turns into a pumpkin.
Will this team be different?
That's the challenge facing Jerry Kill and his players right now. Actually, let's not call it a challenge. This is their opportunity. That's a more appropriate word.
The Gophers can make a statement starting Saturday. They can show their maturity as a program. They have an opportunity to use their emphatic victory at Michigan as a springboard to something greater.