MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Michigan State’s season hasn’t played out the way the Spartans, or any of their opponents, expected.

The last reminder of this not-so-awesome autumn will occur Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium, where already-bowl-eligible Minnesota will greet them.

The Gophers (6-5, 2-5) are hoping to improve their standing in the Big Ten by keeping the Spartans (5-6, 2-5) out of postseason play. Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio was confident enough in his team this week to promise a win.

Minnesota will honor 15 seniors before their last game at The Bank. Linebacker Mike Rallis says he’s happy to have been a part of what he believes is a turnaround of the program under coach Jerry Kill.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)