For years, Minnesota has played one of the softest schedules in the Big Ten in an attempt to win enough non-conference games to overcome its conference shortcomings and make a bowl.

The Gophers scheduled more aggressively this year, opening on the road against Syracuse and hosting Air Force and Cal. Next year, they really bring the sizzle.

That's when Minnesota begins a home-and-home series with USC, college football's glamour program.

"One of the thoughts that I had from Day 1 is to play a very challenging non-conference schedule that recruits are going to be excited about," Minnesota coach Tim Brewster said. "From a recruit's perspective, I think that's what they want. When I talk to recruits on the phone, they say, 'Hey, Coach, who are you playing in the non-conference schedule?' They want to know.

"When I say we're playing USC, you can sense an excitement in a young man's voice. Kids want to play in marquee nationally-televised games."