Minnesota did play a few good teams. Got worked by Wisconsin, close win against Penn State, close loss against Iowa but honestly that game was never in doubt.
Gophers avoided Michigan, O$U, Indiana, and Michigan State. Also got to play Rutgers and Maryland that were awful teams.
Squeeking out wins against Fresno State and Georgia Southern doesn’t exactly help build your case as a good team.
Had the Goofs played a tougher schedule they are probably more like an 8-4 team than 10-2. Still a solid season, but middle of the pack in the Big Ten.