gophers football
Here's a game-by-game look at the 12 opponents who will face the Gophers during the 2018 football season.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: New Mexico State
The Aug. 30 season opener brings a visit from the Aggies, who ended a 57-year bowl drought last year and are living life as an independent after leaving the Sun Belt Conference.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Fresno State
In their first year under former Cal coach Jeff Tedford, the Bulldogs improved from 1-11 to 10-4 and played in the Mountain West Conference Championship Game.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Miami (Ohio)
The RedHawks just missed out on a bowl last year and return eight starters on both offense and defense, so optimism is high in Oxford, Ohio.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Maryland
Injuries at quarterback derailed the Terrapins' 2017 season, but a return to health and solid group of running backs give reason for optimism.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Iowa
The Hawkeyes suffered some high-profile personnel losses, but they return plenty of talent, including improving quarterback Nate Stanley.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Ohio State
The Buckeyes must replace prolific quarterback J.T. Barrett, but Dwayne Haskins has shown he's up to the task. The defending Big Ten champs also return plenty of star power, as usual.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Nebraska
New coach Scott Frost has brought excitement back to the Cornhuskers, who endured a 4-8 season in 2017.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Indiana
Under coach Tom Allen, the Hoosiers, who visit Minnesota on Friday, Oct. 26, had a season similar to the Gophers in 2017, finishing one win shy of bowl eligibility.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Illinois
Coach Lovie Smith's team took its lumps during a 2-10 season in 2017, so showing signs of being competitive this year is the main goal for the Illini.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Purdue
Coach Jeff Brohm's first season with the Boilermakers was a big hit, with an improvement from 3-9 to 7-6. A tough schedule and key losses on defense will be the biggest challenges this year.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Northwestern
The Wildcats will try to build on a 10-win season, but a bowl-game knee injury to quarterback Clayton Thorson is an early-season concern.
Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Wisconsin
The Badgers are loaded, especially on offense with Heisman Trophy candidate Johnathan Taylor operating behind what might be the nation's best line. Is this the year Wisconsin breaks through to make the College Football Playoff?