Minnesota came unbelievably close to competing for a B1G title in 2019. A win over Iowa or Wisconsin would’ve put the Golden Gophers in the B1G Championship Game in early December with a matchup against Ohio State on the horizon.

While the Gophers fell a victory short of a trip to Indianapolis, it felt like the beginning for P.J. Fleck’s program. In three seasons, the new regime had Minnesota competing for a division title and one of the top 10 spots in the country. The outlook for the 2020 campaign is bright with plenty of experience returning, as well.

So when the latest B1G odds were released, former Gopher Carter Coughlin was a bit stunned that his former team was so low.

Oddsmakers have Minnesota at +2500 to win the B1G in 2020. Those odds are behind six B1G programs — Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Iowa. Coughlin couldn’t help but chime in on the matter.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am now an alum so I can say whatever I’d like,” Coughlin said, “these odds are an April fools joke right?”

They are not.

After such a successful year and with so much talent returning, it does seem odd that Minnesota is so low on the list. But part of these odds come from brand recognition, and the Gophers haven’t proven to be a consistent contender just yet. People still aren’t trustworthy of the program.

That could change if Fleck’s squad has another memorable year in 2020.