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Illinois vs. Minnesota fearless prediction and game preview.

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Illinois vs. Minnesota Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 5
Game Time: 3:30 ET
Venue: TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Network: BTN

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Illinois (2-2) vs. Minnesota (4-0) Game Preview

Why Illinois Will Win

The Illini had the right gameplan lsat year.

They were struggling with a three-games losing streak and coming off a blowout loss to Maryland, and … kaboom. Everything clicked in a 55-31 win.

The Gophers might be 4-0, but they’ve appeared to be very, very gettable.

There isn’t enough of a pass rush, and the O line isn’t getting the job done against the run. They have a loaded backfield full of terrific options, but they’re only averaging 116 yards per game on the ground.

The worst part? Minnesota’s offensive line can’t keep the quarterback from getting smacked – it gives up the most sacks by anyone in the Big Ten.

The Illini pass rush isn’t been able to build on its great start, but the playmakers on the line are there to get to …

Why Minnesota Will Win

Tanner Morgan.

Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa. They’re all pretty good, and they’re also the only other quarterbacks in college football with a passer efficiency rating above 200.

Unbelievable against Purdue last week, he hit 21-of-22 passes for 396 yards and four touchdowns, averaging a ridiculous 18 yards per throw.

The Illini secondary has been ripped to shreds so far, allowing over ten yards per attempt in every game with six touchdown passes over the last two games. The Minnesota receiving tandem of Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson have gone off, and eventually the running game will come around.

There’s way too much talent in the Gopher backfield to not be better. The Gophers are way, way, way overdue for a 200-yard rushing game.

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What’s Going To Happen

Illinois might never have the ball.

Minnesota has an interesting mix of big plays from the passing game, while also dominating the time of possession battle. Illinois will bring an interesting fight to a Gopher team that can’t seem to do anything easily.

Minnesota will get to 5-0, but it’s going to take a late rally to get there.

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Illinois vs. Minnesota Prediction, Line

Minnesota 38, Illinois 34
Bet on Illinois vs. UofM with BetMGM, or for latest line 
Minnesota -13.5, o/u: 60.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3.5
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Must See Rating: 2.5

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2019 Illinois Football Schedule

2019 Record: 2-2
2019 Preseason Prediction: 5-7
2019 Preseason Big Ten Prediction: 2-7
2018 Record: 4-8

Aug. 31 Akron W 42-3
Sept. 7 at UConn W 31-23
Sept. 14 Eastern Michigan L 34-31
Sept. 21 Nebraska L 42-38
Sept. 28 OPEN DATE
Oct. 5 at Minnesota L
Oct. 12 Michigan L
Oct. 19 Wisconsin L
Oct. 26 at Purdue L
Nov. 2 Rutgers W
Nov. 9 at Michigan State L
Nov. 16 OPEN DATE
Nov. 23 at Iowa L
Nov. 30 Northwestern W

2019 Minnesota Football Schedule

2019 Record: 4-0  
2019 Preseason Prediction: 8-4
2019 Preseason Big Ten Prediction: 5-4
2018 Record: 7-6

Aug. 31 South Dakota State W 28-21
Sept. 7 at Fresno State W 38-35 2OT
Sept. 14 Georgia Southern W 35-32
Sept. 21 OPEN DATE
Sept. 28 at Purdue W 38-31
Oct. 5 Illinois W
Oct. 12 Nebraska W
Oct. 19 at Rutgers L
Oct. 26 Maryland W
Nov. 2 OPEN DATE
Nov. 9 Penn State L
Nov. 16 at Iowa L
Nov. 23 at Northwestern L
Nov. 30 Wisconsin W