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Gophers in Good Shape at Big 10 Start, But Lots Left

Sports

September 25th, 2012 by Jim Field

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota begins Big Ten play as one of only three undefeated teams left in the conference, enjoying a 4-0 start for the first time since the 2008 season.

But while the Gophers are relishing their September success, already beating their victory total in each of the last two years, they’re trying to maintain perspective. These weren’t nationally ranked opponents, for one. And two-thirds of the schedule remains, so there’s no sense in celebrating now.

Rival Iowa is up next on Saturday, and though the Gophers have two straight wins over the Hawkeyes they haven’t won at Kinnick Stadium since 1999. Though Iowa has slipped in recent seasons, Minnesota is expecting a fired-up opponent, with the Floyd of Rosedale bronze pig trophy at stake.