College Football Rankings 2020: Projected AP Top 25 for Week 7
By Zach Bigalke
Minnesota squeaked into the AP Top 25 last week after a wild Week 5 series of upsets that reshuffled the polls. The Golden Gophers are still two weeks away from taking the field, but they continue to rebound in the rankings after entering at No. 19 in the preseason. It is a testament to the work P.J. Fleck has done in Minneapolis and the amount of talent the Gophers return this season.
The return of Rashod Bateman, after he initially opted out of the 2020 season, is a boon for the passing attack. Bateman provides a key target for Tanner Morgan, who also benefits from the return of Mohamed Ibrahim in the backfield. Last season Ibrahim racked up more than 600 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in a reserve role behind Rodney Smith.
When the Big Ten takes the field for the first time in Week 8, Minnesota will be at home hosting Michigan in the season opener. Minnesota avoided both Ohio State and Penn State in interdivisional play, giving the Golden Gophers a good chance to set themselves up as a contender in the Big Ten West this season.