Illinois blows out Minnesota, 55-31.

Mike Granse-USA TODAY SportsCHAMPAIGN, Ill. — That’s a statement win for Lovie Smith’s program.

After a back-and-forth first half, Illinois was finally able to bust it open in the second for a 55-31 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-5, 1-5) Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. The win snaps a three-game losing skid for the Illini (4-5, 2-4) and their first contest without former defensive coordinator, Hardy Nickerson.

Reggie Corbin opened up the scoring on the second play from scrimmage, finding a hole and prancing 72 yards for the touchdown. Minnesota countered with a long drive touchdown drive of their own that ended with a 4-yard run from Mohamed Ibrahim. Senior Dre Brown was…