- Joined
- Nov 3, 2008
- Messages
- 5,109
- Reaction score
- 1,259
- Points
- 113
Gophers v. Illinois: Week 10 Preview
By Tony LiebertGophers v. Illinois: Week 10 Preview - GopherHole.com
–> Follow @Tony Liebert on Twitter Broadcast Info: Date: Sat., Nov. 4 TV channel: BTN Time of kickoff: 2:30 p.m. (CST) Betting line: Minnesota (-2.5) vs. Illinois, o/u: (43 points) Opponent Information (Illinois): 2023 record: 3-5 V. Toledo 30-28 W @ Kansas 23-34 L V. Penn State 13-30 L V...
gopherhole.com
Broadcast Info:
- Date: Sat., Nov. 4
- TV channel: BTN
- Time of kickoff: 2:30 p.m. (CST)
- Betting line: Minnesota (-2.5) vs. Illinois, o/u: (43 points)
Opponent Information (Illinois):
- 2023 record: 3-5
- V. Toledo 30-28 W
- @ Kansas 23-34 L
- V. Penn State 13-30 L
- V. Florida Atlantic 23-17 W
- @ Purdue 19-44 L
- V. Nebraska 7-20 L
- @ Maryland 27-24 W
- V. Wisconsin 21-25 L
- Head Coach: Bret Bielema (3rd year)
- Players to watch: Jer’Zhan Newton (DL), Isaiah Williams (WR), Luke Altmyer (QB), Tahveon Nicholson (CB), Kaden Feagin (RB), Reggie Love III (RB)
Illinois Season Storylines:
- Year Three of the Bret Bielema era:
Year three is often the time for new head coaches to have a breakout season. With Ole Miss transfer QB Luke Altmeyer and potential All-American DT Jer’Zhan Newton, it seemed like the Fighting Illini had the pieces to do so in 2023. A tough road loss to Kansas set them one step behind heading into the Big Ten season and it has seemed like they have not been able to find their footing this season. But don’t get it twister Bielema has this program going in the right direction and they’re still a live dog.
- Replacing Tommy DeVito, Chase Brown and Ryan Walters:
Altmyer has shown flashes this season but has also struggled mightily at times, most notably throwing 4 INTs vs. Penn State. He has 1,671 passing yards on the season with 10 TDs and 9 INTs while adding 301 yards on the ground with 3 TDs. Feagin and Love III have combined for 630 rushing yards and 5 TDs, showing a real drop off from Chase Brown. Lastly, the defense has taken a slight step back under Henry, allowing 27.8 PPG, ranking 84th best in the country.
- Jer’Zhan Newton suspension + Isaiah Williams:
In a division with talented running backs and run-first offenses, WR Isaiah Williams has been one of the best receivers in all of the Big Ten this season. With 46 catches for 562 yards and 1 TD, he has provided Illinois with a different dynamic in their offense in 2023. With a PFF Grade of 74.1, he is their highest-graded offensive player by nearly five points. When they’ve found success moving the ball this season it’s been because of Williams.
Gophers’ path to victory:
Illinois’ biggest favor in this game is that they will have an extra week to prepare for the Gophers. The Fighting Illini were idle in week nine after losing the Wisconsin in Week eight. So while they will be without Jer’Zhan Newton for the first half, their team was able to get healthy and find themselves after going through a tough stretch of conference play.I expect this game to look a lot like any game in the Big Ten West. It will likely be another low-scoring affair and the team who makes the fewest mistakes will likely be victorious. While Illinois might be allowing more points this season, they’re still allowing only 273.5 yards per contest and it is not easy to move the football on the Orange Crush.
There will be a small handful of plays that decide this game. Likely getting both Darius Taylor and Zach Evans back in the lineup will only help the Gophers’ offense. But like the Iowa game, there will be a few plays that Athan has to make if they want any chance of winning. Ultimately I think these are two incredibly similar teams in very similar spots as programs. Given that Illinois and Bret Bielema had an extra week to prepare, I think that they will have a slight edge to come out ahead 20-16, taking down the Maroon & Gold.