Saturday, October 25, 2014

Memorial Stadium in Champaign

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-1) will be going for their fifth win in a row when they go up against the Illinois Fighting Illini (3-4) on Saturday afternoon. Minnesota is in first place in the Big Ten West while Illinois is in seventh.

Last weekend, Minnesota used a fourth quarter field goal to beat Purdue 39-38 at home. The Golden Gophers had 285 rushing yards in that game and their defense was able to pick off two Purdue passes.

The Golden Gophers have averaged 28.7 points per game this season while only giving up 21.4 points per game. Running back David Cobb has been very good this year by rushing for 1,013 yards and five touchdowns in seven games. Quarterback Mitch Leidner has thrown for 847 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions.

Illinois had their losing streak extend to three games when they lost 38-28 to Wisconsin two weeks ago. They were able to rush for 153 yards in that loss, but they were held to just 135 passing yards.

Through seven games, Illinois has struggled to stop opposing offenses, giving up 35.9 points per game. Quarterback Wes Lunt has completed 66.5 percent of his passes for 1,569 yards with 13 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Junior wide receiver Geronimo Allison has caught 30 passes this season for 469 yards and a team-leading five touchdowns.

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Trends

Minnesota Golden Gophers are 4-3-0 Against the Spread

Minnesota Golden Gophers are 3-4-0 against the Over/Under

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting Trends

Illinois Fighting Illini are 2-5-0 Against the Spread

Illinois Fighting Illini are 5-2-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Minnesota Golden Gophers

10/19/14 OL Brian Bobek Undisclosed "?" Saturday vs. Illinois
10/19/14 OL Foster Bush Concussion "?" Saturday vs. Illinois
10/19/14 DB Marcus Jones Hand "?" Saturday vs. Illinois
09/18/14 OL Alex Mayes Shoulder out for season
09/16/14 WR Isaiah Gentry Knee out for season
09/10/14 LB Cody Poock Knee out for season
09/10/14 OL Jared Weyler Knee out for season
09/09/14 LB Nick Rallis Knee out for season
09/02/14 DT Scott Ekpe Knee out for season
08/22/14 TE Duke Anyanwu Knee out for season

Illinois Fighting Illini

10/11/14 DT Teko Powell Foot "?" Saturday vs. Minnesota U
10/05/14 QB Wes Lunt Leg expected to miss 4-6 weeks
09/13/14 OL Jake Angona Undisclosed out for season
09/13/14 LB Sean White Undisclosed out for season
08/08/14 LB Mike Svetina Foot out indefinitely

Tony's Pick: Take Minnesota

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