Minnesota Golden Gophers
2001 record: 4-7 (2-6)
Coach: Glen Mason (sixth season, 26-32)
Starters returning: 6 offense, 8 defense, 2 kickers

Outlook: After an encouraging 8-4 season in 1999, Minnesota took a step back last season. Whether the Gophers can put together another eight-win season remains an open question. But they have the potential, and the cushy non-conference schedule, to get there.

	Around The Big Ten
	Illinois Fighting Illini
	Indiana Hoosiers
	Iowa Hawkeyes
	Michigan Wolverines
	Michigan State Spartans
	Minnesota Golden Gophers
	Northwestern Wildcats
	Ohio State Buckeyes
	Penn State Nittany Lions
	Purdue Boilermakers
	Wisconsin Badgers

Inexperienced linemen on both sides of the ball could pose problems in the Big Ten, which emphasizes controlling things upfront. But the running back duo of Marion Barber III and Thomas Tapeh has great potential, and Asad Abdul-Khaliq appears poised to mature into a dangerous quarterback.

The defense isn't imposing. It managed only a Big-Ten-worst 14 sacks and was ninth in rushing defense (201.6 yards a game). But it figures to be improved, especially if some youngsters build on last year's learning experience.

Minnesota will be favored to win its four non-conference games, and under Mason, it has shown the ability to pull off the occasional major upset. Mix in its Metrodome home, which is not a popular stop among Big Ten teams, and Minnesota could sneak into a surprisingly satisfying finish.

Key game: The Gophers have had Illinois' number in Minnesota, going 3-1 in the last four meetings there. If they can handle the Illini on Oct. 5, their second Big Ten game, they could give themselves enough momentum to make the most of what shapes up as a difficult second half of the season.

Keep an eye on: Abdul-Khaliq. The mobile junior has been inconsistent, but if he continues to play the way he did at the end of last season, Minnesota's offense will receive a big boost.

It's a good year if. . . Minnesota can post a winning record and secure one of the seven bowl slots available to Big Ten teams. The Gophers are at best a middle-of-the-league team, and getting there will require good play and good breaks.

Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times.