Will it be five straight bowl appearances for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and head coach Glen Mason. In 2005 they won at Michigan for the first time since 1986. They have one of the premiere offenses in the country that averaged 36 points per game.  The defense gave up 30 points per game and was a big factor in their failure.

The Gophers return twelve starters from last season but lost some offensive fire power. Back for his senior finale is quarterback Brian Cupito after a 4,627 yards with 33 touchdowns and 16 interceptions in 2005.  He has a great wide receiver unit to let the pigskin go airborne.  The Golden Gophers lose their second all time rusher, and running back Gary Russell is academically ineligible for the 2006 season. The Golden Gophers should be an offensive powerhouse when airborne.

The defensive back seven look decent but not up front where they gave up 4.4 yards per carry last year. Special Teams will be OK with everyone returning with the exception of a few. The Gophers‚ rushing presence is no more, but look for the offense to go airborne a bit more. Also look for the defense to improve. odds are they won't top last seasons 7 wins but going bowling is a strong possibility.