Throughout the next couple of weeks we’ll be checking in with some of the nonconference opponents facing off against Big Ten teams in 2016 to provide a better idea of what to expect out of the less-familiar opponents on this year’s league slate. We continue now with Colorado State.

Opponent: Colorado State (at Minnesota, Sept. 24)

Names to know: QB Nick Stevens, RB Dalyn Dawkins, LB Kevin Davis, P Hayden Hunt

Offseason storyline: What is the state of the Rams' program? They won 10 games in 2014, but then lost head coach Jim McElwain to Florida. Mike Bobo went 7-6 in his debut season despite some excellent talent on hand, including stud receiver Rashard Higgins. who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. The school is building a new on-campus stadium that will be ready in 2017, but there's no clear path to eventual membership in a Power 5 conference. Colorado State seems destined to occupy that good-but-not-great level of mid-majors, hoping for the occasional breakout season a la 2014.

What’s at stake for Minnesota? Many people forget that last year's game in Fort Collins was one of the most exciting Big Ten nonconference clashes. The Golden Gophers rallied late and eventually won in overtime, 23-20. The Rams could be Minnesota's toughest out-of-league opponent this season in an all-home September slate, and it will be crucial for Tracy Claeys' team to take care of business. The Gophers have a chance to make some noise in the Big Ten West, but their margin for error is slim and they can't afford to give away potential wins. Colorado State's solid passing game should give Minnesota's talented secondary a good early-season test.

What’s at stake for Colorado State? A team like the Rams only gets so many shots at beating a Power 5 team. For Colorado State, it's the annual clash against rival Colorado in the opener and then this one against Minnesota before entering Mountain West play. It would likely take winning both of those games for the Rams to earn some national notice and possible Top 25 recognition. Fair or not, Group of 5 teams must not stumble in any opportunity if they want to break through and accomplish things like a New Year's Six bowl bid. Colorado State's overall talent level is not that far off from Minnesota's, as shown by last year's overtime loss. The Rams would still need a peak performance to grab this road win.