The Gophers had an 8-point lead at half that slowly dwindled as Illinois dominated for much of the second half coming to within a point. But when it mattered most the defense had a huge sack, forced a punt and then Shannon Brooks housed a 75-yard touchdown run setting up the game-clinching 2-point conversion. The win ends the team's three-game losing streak and sets up next week's matchup with Wisconsin to be a battle for the Axe as well as gaining bowl eligiblity.
Today was the true freshman showcase but it ultimately featured Shannon Brooks who continued to emerge in the Gopher backfield and had himself a career game to day with 175 rushing yards and three touchdowns.