Check out the Saucony Flo50 XC Countdown where FloTrack ranks the top 31 cross country teams in the NCAA this season. The No. 31 spot goes to Minnesota this year, and here's why:

Probable Top Five:

JR Madeline Strandemo (9:21 3K; 10:03 3K SC; 147th at '15 NCAA XC)
SR Jamie Piepenburg (9:39 3K; 10:41 3K SC; 200th at '15 NCAA XC)
SO Emily Betz (10:04 3K; 219th at '15 NCAA XC)
FR Bethany Hasz (4:46 1600; 10:26 3200; 5th at '15 NXN)
FR Megan Hasz (4:49 1600; 10:32 3200; 5th at '14 NXN) 

Impact Freshmen/Transfers:

Bethany Hasz via Alexandria, MN (4:46 1600; 10:26 3200; 5th at '15 NXN)
Megan Hasz via Alexandria, MN (4:49 1600; 10:32 3200; 5th at '14 NXN)
Elyse Prescott via Urbandale, IA (4:49 Mile)

Analysis:

The Minnesota Gophers are returning from an 18th-place team finish at the NCAA Championships last fall, which marked the team's highest finish since placing 10th in 2009. It was also the Gophers' 11th straight NCAA appearance as a team. Although Minnesota is fresh off of a successful fall season, the Gophers are losing a lot of senior talent and will be relying on the strength of a rising young class to earn another shot at NCAAs. 

Madeline Strandemo will lead the Gopher contingent after a breakthrough outdoor track season. She finished 13th in the steeplechase at NCAA West, just one spot short of making it to Eugene. Prior to that performance, she scored big points for the Gophers at Big Tens with a third-place finish in the 1500m and a runner-up finish in the steeplechase. 

The Gophers are also receiving some talented freshman in the Hasz sisters, who come into the program with top 10 Nike Cross Nationals performances under their belt. Expect these runners to make an immediate impact upon arrival, and hopefully help contribute to the Gophers' 12th straight NCAA appearance.