If Minnesota was behind it, why did they continue to schedule FCS teams after losing to NDSU? They played another four FCS teams after losing that game as recently as last year.
I would bet that the B1G Network had something to do with it. The B1G is now playing 9 conference games, plus an additional game against a P5, leaving 2 games for G5 teams. What games are going to look better for TV/strength of schedule, games against Navy and SMU, or Navy and Indiana St?
I don't think losing games to NDSU made them happy though, no doubt.