The level of opponents certainly isn't great the last two weeks in Rhode Island and Nevada but it is clear, three weeks into the season that the Gophers defense is much improved from a season ago.

Through three games, the Gophers defense has allowed 252, 135, and 172 total yards, an average of 186 yards per game. Corey Hetherman's unit also has shown to be quick to the ball through the first three weeks of the season. The secondary has played extremely well through three weeks while the pass rush has shown a consistent ability to get pressure on the quarterback.

For comparison, the Gophers allowed less than 250 yards only two times all of last season, once against Iowa (127) and once against Eastern Michigan. Outside those two performances, the Gophers allowed at least 295 yards in each of their 10 other games.

Tougher tests await the Gophers but with sluggish offenses in Iowa, Michigan, UCLA, Illinois, Rutgers, and Wisconsin all remaining on the schedule, the Gophers defense should give them a strong chance to win any given week.