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Gameday: Gophers at Illinois

The Illini can score on anybody, averaging 35.6 points per game. Their two losses were to No. 3 Missouri and No. 6 Penn State.

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: October 11, 2008 - 12:36 AM

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GOPHERS AT ILLINOIS

11 a.m., Memorial Stadium • TV: ESPN • Radio: 830-AM

Line: UI by 12 1/2 • Series: UM 31-27-3 • Last: UI 44-17 (11/3/2007)

GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. ILLINI DEFENSE

Because the Illini have faced two great offenses, their defensive numbers aren't great -- 75th nationally in total defense (371 yards per game), 68th in pass defense and 78th in run defense. The Gophers offense, so good in the red zone early in the season, needs to improve in that area. Adam Weber should be able to get the ball to Eric Decker, but the Gophers tight ends and other wideouts need to get into the action. Advantage: Gophers

ILLINI OFFENSE VS. GOPHERS DEFENSE

This, with apologies to Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor and Chris (Beanie) Wells, is the best offense the Gophers will face this season. Illinois is rushing for 210 yards per game, and quarterback Juice Williams is eighth in the nation in total offense, averaging 323.8 yards per game, 80.8 of that on the ground. The Illini have big play threats at wide receiver (Arrelious Benn and Will Judson) and running back (Daniel Dufrene). Advantage: Illini

SPECIAL TEAMS

Benn is a threat on punt returns, but the Gophers' Troy Stoudermire gets the edge returning kicks. Gophers placekicker Joel Monroe is coming off Big Ten special teams player of the week honors. Advantage: Gophers

INTANGIBLES

The Gophers have yet to win a Big Ten road game under Tim Brewster. Illinois is coming off a dominant victory at Michigan. The Illini, celebrating Homecoming today, have won four consecutive and seven of their past eight at home. Advantage: Illini

PREDICTION

The Gophers are a confident team going to Illinois and will play the Illini better than they did last year. But Illinois' offense will score too many points for the Gophers to win. Illinois 37, Gophers 24

NUMBERS TO KNOW

1.83 Passes defensed per game for the Gophers' Traye Simmons.

655 Illinois' total yards vs. the Gophers in 2007.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT... Eric Small

Gophers DT had big game at Ohio State. He could do that again.

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