It really just takes the right guys at the right time. The players under Kill are all his guys. The West is wide open. If they were going to strike, this would be the year to do it.
He's only been a coach for 4 years. I wouldn't say that this is his only year to strike. Just saying. The West will probably be wide open next year too. I don't see any of those teams primed for serious improvement. In the short term at least.
This year provides the best opportunity for them to make a statement. The two biggest threats in the division have new head coaches. All Minnesotas players were recruited by Kill.
Next year I assume they lose a bit defensively, so that could hurt. Also next year Nebraska and Wisconsin should be more stable so the division will tighten up a bit.
Kill is a good coach, but if Minny is ever gonna win a division crown under him, this would be the year.