⚡ CFB Dashboard

Minnesota's consensus win total is 6.5 with plus money on the over, while the author assigns a 70 percent chance to at least seven wins and projects an 8-4 regular season.

The schedule contains only two likely two-touchdown-underdog spots and two clear two-touchdown-favorite spots, leaving eight games expected to be priced within roughly one touchdown.

Quarterback Drake Lindsey returns for a second starting season alongside proven running back Darius Taylor, while Greg Johnson, Ashton Beers and Nathan Roy anchor the strongest portion of the offensive line.

Minnesota's defensive foundation includes edge Anthony Smith, additional pass rushers TJ Bush and Karter Menz, 100-tackle linebacker Maverick Baranowski and experienced defensive backs John Nestor and Kerry Brown.

The principal downside risks are unproven skill talent beyond Taylor, the right side of the offensive line, inexperienced defensive tackles against the run and a special-teams unit that must improve despite coordinator Daniel Da Prato's strong track record.