The Minnesota Gophers football team is now ranked No. 25 by the AP and USA Today Coaches' polls. The last time the Gophers were ranked was Oct. 15, 2005, when they were ranked 22nd.

Last year, the Gophers finished a very disappointing 1-11, losing six games by seven points or fewer. This year, under second-year head coach Tim Brewster and new offensive coordinator Ted Roof, the Gophers are already bowl eligible and have five more wins than last year.

The Gophers can credit their success to a much-improved defense, a surprisingly good offensive line, quarterback Adam Weber, wide receiver Eric Decker, and freshman running back Deleon Eskridge, who stepped up and filled in for injured running back Duane Bennett.

They were also helped by a great recruiting class led by running back Deleon Eskridge and defensive back Tramaine Brock. Look for the Gophers to in the top 5 in the Big Ten this year, earning them a trip to a bowl game.