Late Fourth-Quarter TD Lifts Minnesota Over Illinois

© Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten Conference) traveled into Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. on Nov. 2 and took down the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten) 25-17. Minnesota was thriving with their run game as Darius Taylor carried the ball 22 times for 131 yards and 1 rushing touchdown. For Illinois, who was already bowl-eligible heading into this game, the loss drops them into the middle of the Big Ten standings with a conference record of 3-3 while Minnesota jumps to 4-2 in conference play. This game was close the entire way.

Sluggish First Half

The first drive for both Minnesota and Illinois resulted in both teams having to punt the ball. In Illinois' second drive of the game, it lasted only one play with Luke Alymyer fumbling the ball after rushing for 2 yards to get to the Illinois 44-yard line. The first score of the game in the following possession with Minnesota ended with a field goal after an 11-play, 42-yard drive. The next drives for both teams forced them to punt the ball.

Once Minnesota punted the ball in its third possession, Illinois was able to get on the board with a field goal, ending an 11-play, 65-yard drive to tie the game at 3-3. The tie did not last too long as Minnesota scored a TD on a Darius Taylor 29-yard run to regain the lead and go up 10-3. Illinois did not take too long to equalize the game with Josh McCray having a 42-yard rushing TD. Minnesota kicked a field goal on its next drive to go up 13-10. Illinois had the chance to equalize yet again, but Ethan Moczulski ended up missing a 55-yard field goal to end the half.

Minnesota Capitalizes

The second half started off with punts for the Golden Gophers and the Fighting Illini. On Minnesota's second drive, Dragan Kesich converted on a 38-yard field goal to bump Minnesota's lead to 16-10. The next possession for Illinois resulted in a punt, while Minnesota turned the ball over on downs.

The very next possession for Illinois was a 5-play, 54-yard drive with Luke Altmyer converting on a 21-yard pass to Zakhari Franklin to move Illinois into the lead at 17-16. Minnesota's next possession lasted seven plays for 75 yards with a Max Brosmer pass to Jameson Geers for a 1-yard TD. The Golden Gophers tried going for the 2-point conversion, but could not convert so that made it 22-17 Minnesota.

Illinois turned the ball over on downs in its next possession and Minnesota scored a 46-yard field goal to extend their lead to eight points at 25-17. Illinois had one last chance to tie the game, but it ended up fumbling the ball on a first-and-10 at the Minnesota 16-yard line.

Turning Point

Minnesota's fourth drive of the second half was the turning point. The Golden Gophers' drive lasted 3:49 and they scored a touchdown to get the game to 22-17 Minnesota. This put the clock at 5:14 left in the fourth quarter for Illinois to equalize or take over this game.

What it Means

Minnesota now becomes bowl eligible. The Golden Gophers extend their win streak to four games. This win over Illinois could potentially lift Minnesota into the Top 25. Their next game is on the road facing the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers on Nov. 9. For Illinois, this loss will most likely drop the Fighting Illini out of the Top 25. Illinois is still having a stellar season this year so this loss should not hurt them as much as they think. Their next game is at home hosting the Spartans of Michigan State.