Illinois vs. Minnesota football preview

Fighting Illini look for home win over Golden Gophers

The Illini are coming off a demonstrative win at the Big House last week after clobbering Michigan 45-20 in Ann Arbor. The Fighting Illini do not have many weeks coming off of blowout victories against the Maize & Blue so it is crucial they focus on a team that is 5-1 thus far this season.

Juice Williams and Daniel Dufrene have been carrying the team on their backs all season until the defense finally showed signs of life in the final three quarters of last week’s contest. After spotting Michigan a 14-3 lead in the 1st quarter the Illini D buckled down from there. Michigan totaled – 1 yards from scrimmage on their 1st 3 possessions of the 2nd half before a Michael Shaw fumble gave the ball back to the Illini. Illinois was able to put the game fairly out of reach at this point after Jason Ford capped off the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run putting the Illini up 31-14. The Illini compiled another 191 yards rushing this game.

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The Illini’s attention on defense should be shifted toward a special receiver this week named Eric Decker. Decker, a junior from Minnesota, is following up a brilliant sophomore season with an even better one. He has already mounted for 50 grabs, 696 yards and 4 touchdowns. Quarterback, Adam Weber, has also been efficient to say the least. However, the numbers have come down dramatically since opening Big-Ten play. Illinois’ bread and butter comes via the run. Last week against the Hoosiers, the Golden Gophers allowed a measly 49 yards on 24 carries to Indiana backs. If the Illini secondary stays on their toes and they can find a way to instill the running game and set up a few opportunities for Juice to look downfield then the Illini can collect their 2nd consecutive conference road win.

Prediction: Illinois 35 - Minnesota 24

by Zack Estes
BigTen-fans.com Illinois Correspondent

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