Really early RPI numbers

Still meaningless this early, but starting to take shape. UConn and Alabama hold the top two spots.

Rankings through Nov. 15 courtesy of Jerry Palm @ CBSSPORTS.com.

Big Ten in the RPI
#6 (tie). Michigan (2-0)
#8 (tie). Illinois (2-0)
#8 (tie). Ohio State (1-0)
#16. Michigan State (1-1)
#40 (tie). Nebraska (2-0)
#84. GOPHERS (3-0)
#115 Purdue (1-2)
#116 (tie). Iowa (3-0)
#116 (tie). Northwestern (2-0)
#160 (tie). Wisconsin (1-1)
#165 (tie). Penn State (1-1)
#180 (tie). Indiana (3-0)

Gophers Nonconference Opponents
#20 (tie). Duke (2-0)
#37. American (2-1) -- yes, those vaunted Eagles are ahead of the Gophers
#59 (tie). Richmond (3-0)
#77 (tie). South Dakota State (1-1)
#116 (tie). North Dakota State (0-1)
#116 (tie). USC (2-0)
#206. Tennessee State (0-3)
#232 Florida State (1-1)
#289 (tie). Lafayette (1-1)
#292 (tie). Toledo (0-3)
#316 (tie). North Florida (0-2)

Friday
Florida State vs. BYU
Illinois @ Hawaii
Lafayette @ Kentucky
Penn State vs. Providence
Purdue vs. Oregon State
South Dakota State vs. Hofstra

Saturday
Gardner-Webb @ Iowa
Ohio State vs. Rhode Island
Penn State vs. Akron/UNC-Asheville
South Dakota State vs. Marshall

Sunday
Florida Gulf Coast @ Duke
Lafayette @ Morehead State
Texas Southern @ Michigan State
Richmond @ GOPHERS
Nebraska-Omaha @ Nebraska
North Florida @ Kansas State
Fairleigh Dickinson @ Northwestern
Ohio State vs. Seton Hall/Washington
Cornell @ Wisconsin

Based on American U's performance when they played the Gophers at Williams, they have since played a couple of tough teams and won. Maybe, just maybe, our Gophers are a dog gone good ball club.

Richmond coming up will be another indicator for us.

All things withstanding, those of us who understand the game of basketball, and have witnessed numerous times excellent teams that have spells during a game where that team stinks. So do the Gophers, but that is the game.

I mentioned this in the chatroom last night, "Can you imagine how hard it is for these guys to stay on the task at hand, as they look forward to Thanksgiving Day and Dickie V/Duke."

Go Gophers!!!

Of the 3 teams Gophers have played so far, I'd say Tennessee State easily has the most upside. It's talent should serve them well in the OVC. My expectation is last night will look like a decent (top 100-125ish) win at the end of the season. American and Toledo, probably not so much.

Looking forward to Richmond; should be a significant step up from what we've seen so far. Then, as you say, let's see what we have vs. the Dukies.