The Minnesota Golden Gophers have redeemed their season with three straight wins and will look to continue their success Saturday when they travel to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini. This is an important game for the Big Ten standings with both teams sitting at 3-2 and needing an additional win. The Gophers earned a convincing 48-23 win over Maryland last week. Quarterback Max Brosmer threw a season-high four touchdowns in the win. An incoming transfer from New Hampshire this season, Brosmer has been a breath of fresh air for the Gophers, who normally like to use their running game behind their big offensive linemen to generate offense. Brosmer’s favorite target this season has been Daniel Jackson, who has 51 receptions for 568 yards and 3 touchdowns. Illinois fell short last week against one of the best teams in the country, Oregon. Quarterback Luke Altmyer was ineffective in the 38-9 loss but has been solid overall this season. Altmyer threw 2 of his 3 total interceptions against Oregon. Illinois has won games this season by playing great defense, creating turnovers and limiting turnovers on offense. It will aim to return to that winning formula on Saturday.

The most important matchup to watch heading into this game is Brosmer against the Illinois defense. Brosmer earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors for his efforts against Maryland, and the Gophers’ offense now revolves around his arm and decision-making. Illinois’ defense is built on making mistakes and causing turnovers. As a group, the Illini have 9 interceptions and a turnover ratio of +6. With Illinois up in the rankings and in the national spotlight for the past month, it expects to win every game it takes the field. The Fighting Illini were outmatched against Oregon and that can be demoralizing, but this week is a great opportunity to win and get the season back on track. The fans have shown up in Champaign this season and I expect the same to energize the defense against the Gophers on Saturday.

Minnesota vs. Illinois prediction: Illinois +3 (-110) available at time of publication. Playable on that song.

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