Minnesota is in the driver’s seat in the B1G West as the Gophers sit at the top of the division with a record of 4-1 in B1G play and a 6-2 record overall. The Gophers have yet to face No. 19 Iowa and Wisconsin this season.

The Golden Gophers have wins over Miami (OH), Colorado, Purdue, Nebraska, Maryland and Northwestern. Their only 2 losses are to No. 6 Ohio State and Bowling Green.

The Gophers are coming off a 41-14 thrashing of Northwestern last Saturday. RB Mar’Keise Irving won B1G Co-Freshman of the Week for his play against the Wildcats.

Irving on the day ran the ball 19 times for 110 yards on 5.7 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns. This season for the Gophers, Irving has carried the ball 66 times for 355 yards on 5.4 yards per carry and 3 touchdowns.

Irving thanked the big men upfront for his impressive day on the ground against the Wildcats.

Minnesota plays hosts to B1G West foe Illinois in Minneapolis, MN., this Saturday at noon ET on ESPN2.