Bowl eligibility is there for the taking. Let's break down the team that stands in the way.

In preparation for the Minnesota Gophers "Must-Win-to-Go-Bowling" matchup against the Illinois Fighting Illini, we picked the brain of founder, editor and head writer of the new SB Nation Illinois blog The Champaign Room Tom Fornelli.

This is not a game where I'm guaranteeing victory, but this is a game the Gophers should win, and if they want to go bowling in Jerry Kill's second season, it's as close to a must-win as we'll get.

Both the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Golden Gophers are fighting for their post-season lives, but at least the Gophers the U can rest assured they have the right QB in Philip Nelson. Christian Ponder with the Vikes? Not so much right now.

Ann Arbor is a lady of questionable moral fiber and her mascot-less off-spring are making their first trip to The Bank.

Four games left in the regular season vs Michigan, at Illinois and Nebraska, and the home finale vs Michigan State. The Gophers need one more to go bowling. How many of the last four do they win?

It's obvious to the geniuses in the local media that Jerry Kill mishandled Philip Nelson. It's obvious that Gray should have played WR and Nelson QB to start 2012. The problem is, none of the evidence available leading up to the UW game supports it.

Zach Travis of Maize n Brew gets us informed on the Michigan Wolverines for this Saturday's 93rd meeting for the oldest rivalry trophy in college football, the Little Brown Jug.

Winner gets closer to a bowl. Loser can probably kiss their bowl hopes goodbye.