The schedule makers did the Gophers no favors by having them start the season against Ohio State. The Gophers put together a respectable performance though, trading punches with the Buckeyes before ultimately falling 45-31. The Gophers bounced back with non-conference wins against Miami (OH) and Colorado, but a poor offensive performance and untimely turnovers resulted in a massive 14-10 upset by Bowling Green - the team that were often ranked 130 out of 130 heading into the season.
Minnesota learned from its mistakes, reeling off four consecutive victories against Purdue, Nebraska, Maryland and Northwestern. Disaster struck once again as the Gophers suffered another upset loss, this time at the hands of Illinois.