Top-Ranked Gophers Extend Unbeaten Streak With Dominant Win Over No. 24 Illinois
Gophers Win Big
The top-ranked Minnesota Gophers extended their unbeaten streak to 8-0 with a convincing win over the No. 24 Illinois Fighting Illini on Sunday afternoon. The Gophers, who were coming off a big win over No. 2 Ohio State last week, were never really threatened by the Illini and won by a score of 31-14.
The Gophers' offense was clicking on all cylinders, as quarterback Tanner Morgan threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Mohamed Ibrahim also had a big day, rushing for 150 yards and a touchdown. On the other side of the ball, the Gophers' defense held the Illini to just 285 total yards and forced two turnovers.
With the win, the Gophers moved to 4-0 in the Big Ten and clinched a spot in the conference championship game. They will face No. 2 Ohio State again in the championship game on December 3 in Indianapolis.
Gophers Dominate from the Start
The Gophers took control of the game early and never looked back. They scored on their opening drive, a 75-yard touchdown pass from Morgan to wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell. The Illini answered back with a touchdown of their own, but the Gophers quickly regained the lead with a field goal.
The Gophers extended their lead to 17-7 with a touchdown run by Ibrahim in the second quarter. The Illini cut the deficit to 17-14 with a touchdown pass late in the half, but the Gophers took a 24-14 lead into halftime after a field goal by kicker Matthew Trickett.
The Gophers put the game away in the third quarter with a 63-yard touchdown pass from Morgan to wide receiver Daniel Jackson. The Illini never threatened again, and the Gophers cruised to a 31-14 win.
Morgan Leads the Way
Morgan was brilliant in the win, completing 24 of 32 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 35 yards. Ibrahim was also a standout, rushing for 150 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Jack Gibbens led the way with seven tackles. Defensive end Boye Mafe also had a big game, with six tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.
The Gophers' win was a complete team effort, and they will now look to finish the regular season undefeated and win the Big Ten championship.