Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 2nd 2024
Preview and Prediction
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema will strive to maintain his dominance over Minnesota when the No. 24 Fighting Illini welcome the Golden Gophers to Champaign, Illinois on Saturday.
Bielema boasts a perfect 10-0 record against Minnesota in his coaching career, including a 3-0 record since taking over at Illinois in December 2020. He went undefeated against the Golden Gophers while coaching at Wisconsin, but never faced them during his time at Arkansas.
Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck spoke highly of Bielema, noting his reputation for leading tough, physical football teams at every program he has coached for.
After suffering a lopsided loss to No. 1 Oregon last week, Illinois (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) is looking to bounce back on their home field, where they have a perfect 5-0 record this season.
Bielema expressed confidence in his team's ability to improve and continue their upward trajectory as a program. He also issued a challenge to the Fighting Illini's fans to create a hostile environment for Minnesota.
On the other side, Minnesota (5-3, 3-2) is riding a three-game winning streak and is looking to secure their fourth straight victory against a ranked opponent. A win would also make them bowl-eligible.
Quarterback Max Brosmer leads the Golden Gophers' offense with 1,776 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions. His top target is wide receiver Daniel Jackson, who has 51 receptions for 568 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Darius Taylor has also been a key player for Minnesota, racking up 513 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in seven games.
Illinois' offense is led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has thrown for 1,667 yards, 15 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Wide receiver Pat Bryant is his top target with 34 catches for 510 yards and seven touchdowns, but his status for this week's game is uncertain due to a concussion.
With running back Kaden Feagin out for the season with a hip injury, the Fighting Illini will rely on Aidan Laughery and Josh McCray to carry the rushing load.
Minnesota holds the all-time series lead with 40 wins compared to Illinois' 33, but the Fighting Illini have won the past three meetings between the two teams.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Recap NOV 2TH 2024
Max Brosmer threw a go-ahead, 1-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Geers with 5:14 left in the fourth quarter, then visiting Minnesota held on for a 25-17 upset win over No. 24 Illinois on Saturday afternoon in Champaign, Ill.
Brosmer completed 22 of 37 passes for 213 yards and for Minnesota (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten), which earned its fourth straight win and became bowl eligible. Darius Taylor had 22 carries for 131 yards and a touchdown.
Luke Altmyer completed 20 of 33 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown for Illinois (6-3, 3-3), which has lost back-to-back games. Josh McCray had 72 rushing yards and a touchdown and Zakhari Franklin had five catches for 71 yards and a score.
Illinois seized a 17-16 lead with 9:03 to go in the game. Altmyer looked left and fired a strike to Franklin in the end zone for a 21-yard touchdown.
The Golden Gophers answered on the next drive to grab a 22-17 lead. Brosmer rolled right and lobbed a pass to Geers in the right flat for a score.
Minnesota's Dragan Kesich added a 46-yard field goal to make it 25-17 with 1:52 to play.
Illinois had a chance at a game-winning drive in the final minute. The Fighting Illini had the ball at the Minnesota 16-yard line, but Jah Joyner stripped the ball loose from Altmyer. Danny Striggow pounced on the fumble with 29 seconds left to secure the victory.
The Golden Gophers scored first to grab a 3-0 lead. Kesich made a 20-yard field goal midway through the opening quarter.
Illinois pulled even at 3-3 on a 25-yard field goal by David Olano with 10:08 remaining in the first half.
Minnesota made it 10-3 on the following possession when Taylor broke free for a 29-yard rushing touchdown.
The Fighting Illini fought back. McCray looked as if he might be stopped for a short gain, but he stayed on his feet and burst forward for a 42-yard score.
Kesich made a 45-yard field goal to give Minnesota a 13-10 lead before halftime.
The Golden Gophers increased their lead to 16-10 on Kesich's third field goal, this time from 38 yards, with 4:36 remaining in the third quarter.
Illinois safety Miles Scott was ejected with 6:11 left in the game. He drew a targeting penalty after delivering a helmet-to-helmet hit against Minnesota wideout Elijah Spence.