On Homecoming weekend against Minnesota, the Illini were once again limited to third-string quarterback Jeff George Jr. under center. The redshirt freshman played well for the most part, and showed flashes that he can develop into a full-time starter at some point in the future. Unfortunately for the Illini, he is nowhere near ready right now, and the Illini were toppled by the Gophers, 40-17.
This was a weird game to watch. The squad that Illinois put on the field today, filled with inexperienced youngsters by choice and necessity, simply isn’t good enough to beat a mid-tier team like Minnesota.