This was actually a close game up through halftime. Illinois started the scoring off with a defensive interception by Dele Harding. He picked off Tanner Morgan and took it to the house for a 40-yard touchdown return. Illinois would head into the second quarter with the lead 7-3.
It wasn’t too long into the second quarter where Illinois would lose the lead on a Tyler Johnson touchdown reception. This would be the final lead change of the game. The Golden Gophers would tack on another touchdown to take a 16-7 lead until Illinois made a field goal to end the half.