Gameday: Gophers vs. Illinois

Levison, Marlin, Dml - Marlin Levison Star Tribu

Tight end Nick Tow-Arnett played a huge role for the Gophers last week, catching eight passes for 81 yards and two TDs.

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: November 6, 2009 - 11:56 PM

Print this story

GOPHERS VS. ILLINOIS

11 a.m., TCF Bank Stadium • TV: BTN • Radio: 830-AM

Line: UM by 7 • Series: UM 32-27-3 • Last: UM 27-20 (10/11/2008)

THE OPPONENT

The Fighting Illini, underachievers all year, racked up 377 rushing yards and got 220 total yards from QB Juice Williams in a 38-13 rout of Michigan last week.

GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. ILLINI DEFENSE

The Illini rank at the bottom of the Big Ten in rushing defense, but they have played well of late. Illinois' defense hasn't allowed a second-half TD in three of its past four games. Still, the Gophers should be able to establish a running threat, which would help the play-action passing game, so vital last week. Advantage: Gophers

ILLINI OFFENSE VS. GOPHERS DEFENSE

This will all be about the Gophers' ability to limit big plays. Illinois has a lot of talent, its record notwithstanding. The Gophers have played good defense for several weeks, their performances marred only by big plays. Forcing turnovers will be key. Last year against many of the same skill players, the Gophers limited the big plays until later in the game and forced key turnovers. Advantage: Even

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Gophers special teams, so tight to start the season, have had their problems, as evidenced by Michigan State's kickoff return for a touchdown to open the second half last week. Illini kickoff specialist Derek Dimke has eight touchbacks, helping Illinois in the field position game. Gophers kickoff return man Troy Stoudermire returned to big-play mode last week. Advantage: Gophers

INTANGIBLES

Illinois has to have its confidence up after trouncing Michigan. The Illini could be playing loose with nothing to play for bowlwise. The Gophers poured a lot of emotion into last week's game. That it ended up a victory should keep the positives going. Advantage: Even

PREDICTION

The Gophers score enough to win, but Illinois will score enough to keep it tight until the end. After weeks of relative inactivity, Gophers kicker Eric Ellestad could be a big factor in the game. Gophers 27, Illinois 24

NUMBERS TO KNOW

5 Gophers victories, and number of times they had to rally to win

29.2 The Gophers’ scoring average at home. They are averaging 16.3 points on the road.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT ... MarQueis Gray

The Gophers backup QB could catch the Illini sleeping.