Gophers at No. 24 Illinois
Kickoff: 11 a.m., Saturday
Fresh off a dominant 48-23 victory over Maryland in which they raced to a 24-0 second-quarter lead, the Gophers travel to Illinois, which lost 38-9 at No. 1 Oregon last week. Minnesota (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) has dropped three straight to the Fighting Illini (6-2, 3-2) but is on a three-game winning streak.
Can the Gophers end the Bielema hex?
Under coach Bret Bielema, Illinois is 3-0 against the Gophers and coach P.J. Fleck, including last year’s improbable comeback for a 27-26 victory. Add in his time as Wisconsin’s coach, and Bielema is 10-0 against Minnesota, with those seven other Badgers victories coming against Glen Mason, Tim Brewster and Jerry Kill.
Can Max Brosmer continue his hot streak?
