Ad Disclosure
ESPN’s FPI predicts outcome of Illinois-Minnesota showdown
Published:
One of the hottest teams in the B1G right now is Minnesota. The Gophers have won four straight and are now in the top spot of the B1G West.
This weekend’s matchup with Illinois shouldn’t provide much of a challenge for the Gophers ground attack. ESPN’s FPI Prediction Model agrees, and gives the Gophers an 84% chance of coming away with the victory.
The Gophers are managing to win despite losing three running backs for the season. Last year’s Running Back of the Year Mohamed Ibrahim was injured during the season opener with No. 6 Ohio State, and Trey Potts and Bryce Williams were both lost along the way.
Despite the losses, the Gophers ground game has back-to-back 300+ yard games. Mar’Keise Irving and Ky Thomas both recorded 100-yard rushing games for the second straight week against Northwestern last weekend.
For Illinois, the Illini are trying to come away with their second straight road upset after dropping No. 7 Penn State two weeks back during their 9-overtime victory. Illinois is coming off a 20-14 loss to Rutgers at Memorial Stadium last weekend.
Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM EST on Saturday, Nov. 6 at TCF Stadium in Minneapolis.
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.