Bob Asmussen, football beat writer
Say your defensive coordinator just stepped down. Wouldn't you want to play the best game of your life to show him you care? And let's say your head coach is now the defensive coordinator. Aren't you going to try to impress him with your skill? After three games of dreadful defense, the Illini show some life. But still lose on a late TD pass.
Prediction: Minnesota 20, Illinois 13
Scott Richey, football beat writer
That Minnesota will likely start a backup freshman walk-on quarterback and is still a 91 / 2-point favorite at Illinois shows how far the Illini have fallen in the last three games getting blown out by Purdue, Wisconsin and Maryland.