Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Picks and Predictions November 2nd 2024

Illinois Fighting Illini vs Minnesota Golden Gophers November 2nd 2024

Kick-off for this Minnesota vs. Illinois matchup is set for 12:00 ET at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, IL. The game will be broadcast on FS1, and the over/under line is currently 45.5 points. The Gophers are favored by -3 points on the road. Minnesota comes in with a 5-3 record, while Illinois has been solid this season with a 6-2 record.

Minnesota vs. Illinois Key Information

At 5-3, Minnesota faces Illinois in Week 10. They rank 35th in our CFB power rankings and have a 90.4% chance of becoming bowl-eligible. The Golden Gophers are 3-2 at home and 1-1 on the road this season.

Minnesota’s ATS record is 5-1-1, with a +11.1 average scoring margin. They are 3-0 ATS as favorites and 2-0 on the road against the spread.

Their over/under record is 3-4, with an average line of 42.3 points. This week’s line is 45.5, and their games have averaged 44.6 points.

Heading into week 10, Minnesota’s offense ranks 50th in points per game, averaging 27.9, and they are 60th in our offensive power rankings. Their passing game is their strength, ranking 22nd in completions while averaging 30.9 attempts per game. They are 63rd in passing yards, with 226.4 yards per game, but they are 9th in completion percentage, completing 69.6% of their passes. They also convert 47% of their third downs, ranking 17th.

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Max Brosmer leads the team with 1,776 passing yards, a passer rating of 100, and a 69.5% completion rate. He has thrown 12 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Darius Taylor is the leading rusher with 513 yards and 7 touchdowns, averaging 4 yards per carry. Daniel Jackson leads the receivers with 568 yards and 3 touchdowns on 51 catches.

Heading into their matchup against Illinois, Minnesota’s defense ranks 15th nationally, allowing just 16.8 points per game. They’ve been particularly strong against the pass, giving up only 162.5 passing yards per game, the 12th-lowest in the country, and holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 55.8, the 5th-lowest nationally. On the ground, they’re allowing 120.5 rushing yards per game.

In their recent game against Maryland, Minnesota’s defense allowed 23 points but also forced two interceptions. They gave up 428 total yards, including 323 passing yards, while holding Maryland to 105 rushing yards on 25 attempts.

Illinois enters Week 10 against Minnesota with a 6-2 record, ranked 55th in our power rankings. They are projected to be bowl-eligible but have a 0% chance of winning the Big Ten. At home, the Fighting Illini are 3-0 this season.

Illinois has been favored in just one game this season, going 1-0 as the favorite. Their average scoring margin is +6.4 points, and they are 3-2 against the spread. As the underdog, they’ve covered the spread in three out of four games.

The over/under line for this week is 45.5 points. Illinois games have averaged 47.6 points, with an average line of 49.4 points. Their over/under record is 0-5, with five games featuring higher lines and two with lower lines than this week’s total.

Illinois’ passing game has been the focal point of their offense, ranking 28th in passer rating heading into week 10. Luke Altmyer has thrown for 1,667 yards with a passer rating of 103, completing 63.1% of his passes. He has 15 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Pat Bryant leads the receiving corps with 504 yards and seven touchdowns.

Overall, Illinois is averaging 27 points per game, placing them 57th nationally. They are 50th in our offensive power rankings. On third downs, they convert 41.8% of their attempts. The team is also averaging 145 rushing yards per game.

Illinois’ defense will look to bounce back after a tough game against Oregon, where they allowed 38 points and 527 total yards. The Ducks gained 298 passing yards and three touchdowns through the air, while Illinois gave up 229 rushing yards on 39 attempts. The defense did manage to force one interception in the game.

On the season, Illinois is ranked 34th nationally, allowing 20.6 points per game. Opponents are averaging 211.2 passing yards per game and completing 62.6% of their passes. Illinois’ defense has faced 34 rushing attempts per game, giving up an average of 156.2 rushing yards, which ranks 95th in the country.

We like Minnesota’s chances to cover the -3 point spread as they head into their matchup against Illinois. Our projected final score is 23-16 in favor of the Gophers, making them a good bet as the road favorite.

For the over/under, with the line set at 45.5 points, our projection of 39 total points suggests that taking the under is the best play.

No. 24 Illinois vs. Minnesota Preview: Bielema Aims to Stay Unbeaten Against Gophers

The Illinois Fighting Illini, currently ranked No. 24, will host the Minnesota Golden Gophers this Saturday in Champaign, Illinois. Coach Bret Bielema, undefeated against Minnesota throughout his career, aims to extend his perfect record against the Gophers in a critical Big Ten matchup. With both teams vying for a strong finish in conference play, this game has all the makings of a high-stakes clash.

Bielema’s Record Against Minnesota

Bielema’s success against Minnesota has been consistent and thorough, boasting a 10-0 record against the Gophers. As Illinois’ coach since 2020, he’s led the Fighting Illini to three consecutive wins over Minnesota, including an impressive 5-0 home record this season. Bielema’s reputation for building strong, hard-nosed teams has followed him from his time at Wisconsin to Illinois, making him a perennial challenge for Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck.

Illinois’ Need for a Rebound

Illinois (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) is coming off a tough loss against top-ranked Oregon, where they fell 38-9 after an early deficit. Returning home to Memorial Stadium, the Fighting Illini are looking to re-establish their strong form in front of a supportive home crowd. Coach Bielema has urged fans to create an electrifying atmosphere for the early kickoff, knowing that their enthusiasm could give Illinois an edge in this conference showdown.

Minnesota’s Momentum and Motivation

The Golden Gophers (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) are currently riding a three-game winning streak after recent victories over ranked opponents including Southern California, UCLA, and Maryland. With just one more win needed for bowl eligibility, Minnesota will be highly motivated to deliver a strong performance and clinch their sixth win of the season.

Fleck, however, remains focused solely on this matchup, emphasizing the importance of playing their best football against a ranked opponent on the road. “We’ve got to D.I.B. — do it better,” Fleck said, signaling his desire for a focused, disciplined approach.

Key Players to Watch

Minnesota’s Offense

• Max Brosmer (QB): Brosmer has been a steady presence for the Gophers, throwing for 1,776 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. His ability to make smart, accurate throws will be critical against a solid Illinois defense.
• Daniel Jackson (WR): Jackson, Brosmer’s top target, has 51 catches for 568 yards and three touchdowns. His consistency and big-play ability make him a key factor in Minnesota’s passing game.
• Darius Taylor (RB): Taylor has accumulated 513 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season, showing versatility and strength on the ground. His performance could open up the passing game for Brosmer and add balance to the Gophers’ offensive attack.

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Illinois’ Offense

• Luke Altmyer (QB): Altmyer has thrown for 1,667 yards and 15 touchdowns this season, providing stability and leadership on offense. His ability to distribute the ball effectively will be essential, especially if Illinois hopes to put Minnesota’s defense on its heels.
• Pat Bryant (WR): Bryant leads the team with 510 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Although he’s recovering from a concussion, he is expected to be ready for Saturday, providing a crucial weapon for Altmyer.
• Aidan Laughery and Josh McCray (RBs): With Kaden Feagin out for the season, Laughery and McCray will handle the bulk of the rushing duties. They have combined for over 500 yards on the ground and will be vital in establishing a balanced offense against Minnesota.

Game Outlook

Saturday’s game promises to be a showdown between two strong teams with plenty on the line. Illinois will look to continue its perfect home record, driven by Bielema’s proven winning formula against Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Gophers, fueled by recent victories and a strong offensive showing, aim to snap Bielema’s streak and secure bowl eligibility.

In a game featuring two balanced offenses, the outcome may well hinge on which team can limit turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities. For Illinois, feeding off a charged home crowd could provide the spark needed to bounce back from last week’s tough loss, while Minnesota will rely on its momentum and Fleck’s disciplined approach to try and steal a win on the road.