When Ohio State lost to Virginia Tech in week two of the season, they fell off the face of the earth for many not watching the program. But after winning 7 straight with a quality win on the road in East Lansing, everyone is now paying attention. This week they travel to Minneapolis to take on the 7-2 Golden Gophers in a game that cannot be overlooked.

The Buckeyes, now ranked No 8 nationally, are back in the conversation for the national playoff to end the 2014 season. Minnesota is as high as the Buckeyes coming off their win, beating Iowa 51-14 last weekend. Coach Urban Meyer is working to avoid a hangover type performance from his team when they travel Saturday for a noon kickoff on ABC. He thinks they have plenty to work on this week, including improving a defense that gave up 199 yards rushing and 358 yards passing against the Spartans. The Gophers are now ranked 25th in the polls and are looking towards the post-season as eagerly as OSU.

The Gophers win in a similar fashion to both the Buckeyes and the Spartans, with great defense (21st nationally) and a powerful running attack. David Cobb has put up 1205 yards this year and is the eighth most proficient in Division 1. Of course Ohio State also brings great receivers and a quarterback that can put the ball in the air just as easily as scramble for 20 yards. OSU can use a big win against another quality opponent as they hope to move even higher in the ranks.

It should be a cold weekend in Minnesota for two teams that are red hot.