Gophers football preview: The Koi Perich show

The big picture: The jack-of-all-trades sophomore from Esko is the star for a Gophers team picked to finish middle of the pack in the Big Ten, but hopes to make more noise than that.

Reality check: While the team has standouts in Perich, running back Darius Taylor and defensive end Anthony Smith, the roster is otherwise full of inexperienced players.

Case in point: Starting quarterback Drake Lindsey has thrown just five passes in his college career. The team's success may hinge in large part on how ready he is to step in for Max Brosmer, whose eligibility expired after last season and made the Vikings roster this year.

The intrigue: A relatively weak schedule could allow the Gophers to post one of their best records in recent years.

• They play only two teams currently ranked in the Associated Press top 25: Ohio State (Oct. 4) and Oregon (Nov. 14), both of which have national title aspirations.

Two games to watch: Oct. 17 vs. Nebraska at home followed by Oct. 25 at Iowa.

• These matchups could help determine if Minnesota gets a prominent bowl game or a late December trip to Detroit or New York City for a lower-tier one.

How to watch: Kickoff against Buffalo is 7pm Thursday on FS1. The Gophers are heavy favorites. Tickets start at $30.