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The Minnesota Golden Gophers needed to beat Rutgers on Saturday to retain their spots in the Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25. Fortunately, the Gophers did exactly that, blowing past the Scarlet Knights in a 42-7 romp to improve to 7-0 for the first time since 1960. They have been rewarded for their efforts, climbing up to No. 16 in the Coaches Poll and No. 17 in the AP Top 25 after checking in at No. 20 in both polls a week ago.
Four teams ranked ahead of the Gophers — Wisconsin, Boise State, Michigan, and Arizona State — lost on Saturday, so a fair amount of movement was expected. With Wisconsin and Boise State both having lost their shot at perfection, 10 undefeated teams remain, including Minnesota.
The No. 17-ranked Golden Gophers welcome Maryland (3-4) to TCF Bank Stadium next weekend, with a chance to start the season 8-0 for the first time since 1941.