Recap: Gophers 27, Illinois 20

Last update: October 12, 2008 - 12:55 AM

OFFENSIVE MVP: DeLeon Eskridge, Gophers

The freshman rushed 26 times for a career-high 124 yards and two touchdowns, including a 46-yarder in the fourth quarter that gave the Gophers a 20-6 lead.

DEFENSIVE MVP: Willie VanDeSteeg, Gophers

The senior defensive end had three sacks, including one that forced a fumble by Illini quarterback Juice Williams that the Gophers' Simoni Lawrence returned for a touchdown. VanDeSteeg also had a key fourth-quarter hit on Williams that resulted in an interception.

BY THE NUMBERS

462 Passing yards by Williams, a career high. It was the second consecutive week he set a stadium record for total offense.

+12 The Gophers on turnovers this year, having forced 20 and given up eight

6 Sacks by the Gophers, a season high

KENT YOUNGBLOOD

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