Updated

Touting a strong finish to the previous season is a natural talking point for any college football team. At Minnesota, momentum has been trumpeted all summer.

Even though the Gophers lost their bowl game to fall to 6-7 and won only once after Halloween, they showed signs of progress after back-to-back 3-9 finishes. They're determined to build off that despite being in the Big Ten's rugged Legends Division. And in coach Jerry Kill's third year, another 2-6 record in conference play won't perpetuate any optimism.

Success will start with sophomore quarterback Philip Nelson, who took over halfway through last season. The season opener is Aug. 29 at home against UNLV.