ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI	Game 8	MINNESOTA GOPHERS
	vs

3 Keys, 2 Players to Watch, 1 Prediction

Run it All Day - Run the ball, keep the passing game simple and then run the ball. It is what we do well and then use that to set up some big pass plays. By advanced stats the Illinois rush defense is worse than Rutgers (by a lot) and is 117th in the country. Run the ball and keep doing it with both backs all day long.

Get off the Field on 3rd Down - Illinois is 13th in the B1G on 3rd down, converting less than 30% of their tries. The Gopher defense needs to get them into 3rd down situations and then get off the field. The Illini rushing attack is actually good so don't let this offense get going and extending drives.

Can't Stop, Won't Stop - I believe we can get up early again, but this time there cannot be any letting up. Get up early and keep rolling. Illinois will make adjustments but keep leaning on them and putting up points

OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH

• #22 - RB - Kendrick Foster - Junior back who is averaging over 5 yards per carry and is a little concerning to me.
• #10 - DE - Dawuane Smoot - Potential 1st round pick and a guy who likes to bring down quarterbacks and running backs in the backfield.

PREDICTION

I'm not lacking in confidence for this game.

Minnesota - 38
Illinois - 17