As one of most long time Gopher fans, there is only hope. At this point of the season, there should be zero expectations of a 5th seed. In my view, the gophers haven't proven anything yet to suggest they are a top 20 team and I question if they have the depth/experience of talent to be considered in that league of talent teams. Could they be a top 30 team by the end of the season, maybe. In my view, a near top 30 finish and a 8th/9th seed would be an exceptional achievement. I put the odds of that happening at 50/50.