The Illini are still looking for their first conference win.

Minnesota wasn’t exactly stellar last year. In fact, they were right there with Illinois toward the bottom of the Big Ten. In fact, they were tied for 11th with a 4-14 conference record. Minnesota, however, won 15 games and finished the year with a 15-17 record. Not to mention the Golden Gophers blew out the Illini in their only matchup of the season.

Minnesota took a big step back last season after finishing fourth in the conference during the 2016-17 campaign. That was partly due to losing senior Akeem Springs along with Reggie Lynch, who was dismissed from the team partway through the season amid sexual assault allegations.

In the wins and losses columns, there is not much of note. Before…