Illinois @ Minnesota preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2010 ) Minnesota 38, Illinois 34

THE STORY: A dark cloud hangs over the Fighting Illini’s season finale with Minnesota. Head coach Ron Zook could be coaching his final regular season game for Illinois after his program's collapse late in the year. The Illini have lost six straight heading into Week 13. Despite the pressure, Zook is focused on this week’s opponent – an improving Golden Gophers squad that is looking to cap its first year under coach Jerry Kill on a high note. Minnesota has won eight of its past 11 meetings with Illinois but hasn’t defeated the Illini at home since 2004.

TV: BTN LINE: Illinois -10

ABOUT ILLINOIS (6-5, 2-5 Big Ten): The Fighting Illini continue to slide after starting the year 6-0. Big Ten play hasn’t been kind to Zook and his players. Illinois offense stalled during conference competition, averaging only 19.7 versus Big Ten opponents. The Illini mustered only 17 points in last week’s loss to Wisconsin, getting two touchdowns from running back Donovonn Young, who is day-to-day with an ankle sprain. Freshman quarterback Riley O’Toole got a lot of snaps in Week 12 and is expected to split time again with No. 1 Nathan Scheelhaase. Illinois is already bowl eligible with six wins, however, a strong showing Saturday may attract better game invites.

ABOUT MINNESOTA (2-9, 1-6 Big Ten): The Golden Gophers lost their last three outings and has just one win in its past eight games. But despite the losing record, Minnesota fans have plenty to cheer about. The Gophers fell 28-13 to Northwestern in Week 12, but managed to rush for 269 yards, getting 147 yards on the ground from dual-threat quarterback MarQueis Gray, who also passed for 124 yards. Running back Duane Bennett added 127 yards rushing, becoming just the 13th Minnesota player to rush for 2,000 career yards. The Golden Gophers average just 152 rushing yards per game – third last in the Big Ten.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. This will be the 64th meeting between these schools, with Minnesota leading the all-time series 32-28-3.

2. Illinois DE Whitney Mercilus leads the nation in sacks (13.5) and forced fumbles (8).

3. Ron Zook is 2-2 versus Minnesota while Jerry Kill is 0-1 versus Illinois for his coaching career.

PREDICTION: Illinois 24, Minnesota 21 – An unimpressive win over the Gophers won’t be enough to save Coach Zook’s job.