The Minnesota Golden Gophers are on a two game losing streak in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, but the Big Ten has won the challenge in each of those years. Those are the only two wins for the conference in the 12-year history of the event, but the Big Ten is favored to take it for a third straight years, especially if they can get some from Minnesota at home. The Golden Gophers were upset last year at home against Virginia, and two years go they lost at Miami as the Big Ten went on to win 6-5.
This year the Golden Gophers are at home again, this time against the Virginia Tech Hokies. Virginia Tech played the swing game in last year's challenge, losing at home in overtime to Purdue to swing the final margin 6-5 in favor of the Big Ten. This year they have only lost to No. 5 Syracuse, and with Trevor Mbakwe questionable at best for Minnesota it could be a long night for the Gophers.
Minnesota hosts another major conference team on Saturday as the Golden Gophers welcome the USC Trojans to The barn. USC is currently 3-4 on the young season and has struggled in losses to Cal Poly and San Diego State.