Minnesota Football at Illinois: Everything You Need To Know

For the second consecutive week, Minnesota plays a Big Ten bottom feeder. The Golden Gophers will have to step up their performance from a week ago, though, if they are to stave off an upset bid from the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Minnesota’s win over Rutgers on Saturday was highly unimpressive, considering the Gophers needed a late field goal to beat a team that had lost its last three games by a score of 160- 7. Minnesota actually led Rutgers 21-3 before allowing the Knights to rally and take a 32-31 lead late in the contest. A win is a win, though, and the Gophers will improve to 3-2 in Big Ten play with a victory.

Minnesota was effective on the ground against the Knights, carrying the ball 53 times for 243 yards and three scores, led by Rodney Smith’s 111 yards and a touchdown. Minnesota quarterback Mitch Leidner was steady as he completed 11 of 18 passes for 156 yards and an interception. Illinois, on the other hand, was massively outclassed by Michigan, despite starting new quarterback Jeff George Jr., the son of Illini legend Jeff George. George Jr.’s debut was uninspiring as he completed only 4 of 15 passes for 95 yards. He also threw a touchdown and an interception. With quarterback Wes Lunt’s status in doubt due to injury, the Illini may have to give George another start.

Kickoff time: 11 a.m. CT
TV and radio: Big Ten Network, Minnesota sports radio network
Point spread: A point spread is not available, according to scores and odds.
Tickets: Tickets are available at the Illinois football website.

Image via bradleypjohnson, Flickr, used under Creative Commons