Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - The 25th-ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers open the 2009-10 season tonight at home against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles.

Tennessee Tech won just 12 of its 30 games last year, but the return of some talented guys, particularly in the backcourt, could have the Golden Eagles soaring to new heights this season. In all, eight letterwinners are back in the fold for coach Mike Sutton, who was a former assistant at Tulsa, Georgia and Kentucky under current Minnesota coach Tubby Smith.

When Smith arrived in Minneapolis a couple of years ago, Golden Gopher fans were ecstatic. They knew it would take some time for Minnesota to become a force in the Big Ten, and last year's 21-win campaign and NCAA Tournament bid was certainly a step in that direction. The early schedule isn't all that difficult and should have the Gophers in similar position to last year when they opened the season 12-0.

Minnesota, which has won 19 straight non-conference home games, won the only previous matchup with Tennessee Tech, taking a 92-69 decision during the 1986-87 season.

Tennessee Tech's top returning guard is Frank Davis (10.0 ppg), an athletic guy who is dangerous from behind the arc. Will Barnes will likely join Davis in the backcourt after netting 9.8 ppg last season. Barnes has the ability to be a dangerous player, especially if he drives the lane more often. Sophomore Kevin Murphy did a solid job at the forward position a year ago, and he poses a threat from behind the arc as well (.409). Coach Sutton will have to find someone in the frontcourt to replace Daniel Northern (12.6 ppg, 8.8 rpg), not an easy task by any means. Byron Pickens is expected to see plenty of action, and Bassey Inameti will have an expanded role in close to the basket.

At first glance, the Golden Gophers appear to lack significant scoring punch as only Lawrence Westbrook (12.6 ppg) averaged double figures last season. Still, there are some complementary guys that coach Smith and the UM faithful hope will rise to the occasion, notably senior Damian Johnson (9.8 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.0 bpg) and freshman Royce White (Minnesota's Mr. Basketball in 2008-09). Junior point guard Al Nolen (6.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.3 apg) joins Westbrook in the backcourt, while up front big things are expected from junior Paul Carter (5.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg) who should see his numbers go up with increased minutes.