Minnesota has been quietly climbing up in the daunting Big Ten. The Gophers have won eight in a row

The milestones have been adding up at Minnesota, with the Gophers on a steady rise in the rugged Big Ten. With an eight-game winning streak that has returned the team to the AP Top 25, the breakthrough season under coach Dawn Plitzuweit has arrived. After making their season debut in the poll this week at No. 23, the Gophers have an immediate opportunity to prove they belong with games against No. 10 Ohio State on Wednesday and No. 18 Michigan State on Sunday.

By DAVE CAMPBELL