Gophers v. Illinois: Week 7 Preview
Gophers are on a bye week and will play Illinois on October 11, 2022.
Gophers are on a bye week and will travel to Champagne, Illinois for a West Division game against Illinois. The game will determine who represents the West division in Indianapolis.
2021 record: 5-7, 2022 record 5 -1. Head coach: Bret Bielema. Players to watch: Chase Brown, Devon Witherspoon, Tommy DeVito, Jer’Zhan Newton, Seth Coleman.
Brett Bielema took over at Illinois after five seasons of Lovie Smith. The team is 5-1 this season and ranked for the first time in 10 years. Running back Chase Brown is second in the FBS in rushing yards per game (146.5) and 879 total rushingyards. Tommy DeVito is injured and didn't play last week. He has more passing yards this year than in his previous two seasons combined. He is a veteran signal-caller who often makes the right play.
Minnesota and Illinois are going to play each other in Champagne on Saturday. The game will be decided on the offensive line. Minnesota's offensive linemen need to improve to win the game. Illinois' front seven has allowed the third-fewest rushing yards-per-game in FBS. Quinn Carroll is the most penalized player on Minnesota. Minnesota will win 24-10.
