ESPN's B1G blog has been doing ranking after ranking over the last few weeks and on every conceivable list the Gophers (player, positional unit, stadium, etc) have all languished at or near the bottom. Even the stadium rankings had TCF Bank Stadium somewhere in the bottom half, but don't get me started. Finally we have someone or something in the top 5!

MarQueis Gray was ranked as the #5 QB in the conference.

5. MarQueis Gray, Minnesota, senior: Gray had a rocky beginning to the season as he adjusted back to the quarterback position and a new coaching staff. But in his last five games, he averaged 255 yards of total offense. Of returning Big Ten players, only Robinson, Vandenberg and Martinez were responsible for more total yardage than Gray last season. Like many on this list, Gray has worked on improving his mechanics and accuracy. There isn't a more impressive physical specimen at quarterback than this 6-foot-4, 240-pounder.

I am really looking forward to watching him play this year. It should be a treat.

• The Big Lead ranked the top 50 college basketball players for the 2012-13 season and Trevor Mbakwe earned a spot among the top 50.
• Speaking of TCF Bank Stadium, the Las Vegas Sun had an article on our new on-campus stadium.
• Yahoo! Sports takes a look at Bjugstad's decision to stay in school for another year.
• Bjugstad talks to 1500 ESPN about his decision.
• This post on MGO Blog is kind of interesting. Someone took the time to pick the best Michigan Football player by state. The good news in all of this is that Minnesota hasn't exactly provided them with a super stud (like Larry Fitzgerald, James Laurinaitis or other local kid who starred elsewhere).
• Ralph Sampson III is playing in the Vegas Summer League for Charlotte.
• Gopher Illustrated is beginning their countdown of the top 15 Most Important Gophers for this upcoming season.