No. 20 Gophers vs. Illinois, 11 a.m. Saturday, Huntington Bank Stadium, ESPN2, 100.3-FM, Line: Gophers by 14½
The No. 20 Gophers (6-2) enter November on a four-game winning streak and sit alone atop the Big Ten's West Division with a 4-1 record, a game ahead of Wisconsin, Iowa and Purdue. Showdowns against the Badgers and Hawkeyes loom, but Minnesota first must dispatch Illinois (3-6, 2-4).
Three big story lines
Eventful week off the field
On Monday, the Gophers learned that running back Bryce Williams, injured against Northwestern, will be lost for the season. Tuesday brought news that the Gophers are No. 20 in the first College Football Playoff rankings. And Wednesday, coach P.J. Fleck received a new contract through 2028.
Freshmen will carry the load
Williams' injury means that the Gophers will rely on true freshman Mar'Keise Irving and redshirt freshman Ky Thomas for the bulk of the carries going forward. Both have impressed with back-to-back 100-yard rushing games for each against Maryland and Northwestern.
Eyes on the Illini
The Gophers focus each week on "one-game championship seasons,'' as Fleck calls them, and this week is the perfect time to emphasize that approach. A chance at reaching long-term goals like the West title would take a devastating hit with a loss to the Fighting Illini.
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