Staff Score Predictions for the Golden Gophers' Trip to Champaign to Play No. 24 Illinois
This weekend, the Minnesota Golden Gophers will travel to Champaign to play the Illinois Fighting Illini, ranked No. 24. During his time at Wisconsin and Illinois, head coach Bret Bielema's teams have won nine straight games against Minnesota, and the Gophers are keen to end that run. Minnesota, who are now 5-3 and riding a three-game winning streak, would qualify for the bowls for the fourth straight season with a victory on Saturday.
Minnesota 31, Illinois 14, Tony Liebert
After three consecutive Big Ten victories, Minnesota is thriving. Three defensive backs and star receiver Pat Bryant are among the important players injured for Illinois. Although the Illini have played well, I believe the Gophers are catching them at a favorable time. Minnesota wins handily on the road to snap the Bielema run.
After three consecutive Big Ten victories, Minnesota is thriving. Three defensive backs and star receiver Pat Bryant are among the important players injured for Illinois. Although the Illini have played well, I believe the Gophers are catching them at a favorable time. Minnesota wins handily on the road to snap the Bielema run.
Joe Nelson: Illinois 23, Minnesota 27
Under Bielema, who has historically had Minnesota's number, Illinois has a strong, talented club. However, Illinois may be at risk with the absence of their top rushing back and the uncertainty surrounding Bryant's health. I'm calling for a Gophers upset, even though my intuition tells me Illinois by a slim margin at first.
Under Bielema, who has historically had Minnesota's number, Illinois has a strong, talented club. However, Illinois may be at risk with the absence of their top rushing back and the uncertainty surrounding Bryant's health. I'm calling for a Gophers upset, even though my intuition tells me Illinois by a slim margin at first.
Nolan O'Hara: Illinois 21, Minnesota 24
The Gophers' season may be defined by this game. In the enlarged Big Ten, a victory would put Minnesota on pace for an eight-win campaign. Though the Gophers' secondary, which is anchored by veterans Justin Walley, Ethan Robinson, and rising sensation Koi Perich, will be a major strength, Illinois has talent on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Luke Altmyer and playmaking receiver Pat Bryant. It seems like Minnesota is finally defeating a Bielema-led squad this week.
The Gophers' season may be defined by this game. In the enlarged Big Ten, a victory would put Minnesota on pace for an eight-win campaign. Though the Gophers' secondary, which is anchored by veterans Justin Walley, Ethan Robinson, and rising sensation Koi Perich, will be a major strength, Illinois has talent on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Luke Altmyer and playmaking receiver Pat Bryant. It seems like Minnesota is finally defeating a Bielema-led squad this week.
Will Ragatz: Minnesota 23, Illinois 27,
Max Brosmer had his greatest game against Maryland, so Minnesota's three-game winning streak is encouraging, but Illinois is ranked for a reason. Illinois will be difficult to defeat at home with defensive playmakers like Gabe Jacas and Xavier Scott, as well as Altmyer and his receiving corps hoping to recover. This weekend could be a setback for the Gophers.
Max Brosmer had his greatest game against Maryland, so Minnesota's three-game winning streak is encouraging, but Illinois is ranked for a reason. Illinois will be difficult to defeat at home with defensive playmakers like Gabe Jacas and Xavier Scott, as well as Altmyer and his receiving corps hoping to recover. This weekend could be a setback for the Gophers.
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