Minnesota wasn’t exactly stellar last year. In fact, they were right there with Illinois toward the bottom of the Big Ten. In fact, they were tied for 11th with a 4-14 conference record. Minnesota, however, won 15 games and finished the year with a 15-17 record. Not to mention the Golden Gophers blew out the Illini in their only matchup of the season.
Minnesota took a big step back last season after finishing fourth in the conference during the 2016-17 campaign. That was partly due to losing senior Akeem Springs along with Reggie Lynch, who was dismissed from the team partway through the season amid sexual assault allegations.