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Gophers run past Illini with late 75-yard touchdown run

Minnesota running back Shannon Brooks raced from the shadows and into the sunlight Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium.

Brooks' 75-yard touchdown scoring run with 1:25 left in the fourth quarter ended in the afternoon sun that was only cast in the southwest end zone.

The run kept a sliver of light on the Gophers bowl-season hopes. Minnesota (5-6, 2-5) snapped a four-game losing streak with a 32-23 win over Illinois. Minnesota must beat Wisconsin in the season finale next Saturday to reach bowl eligibility.

Brooks had 17 carries for 174 yards and scored on other touchdown runs of five and 38 yards.