The ground game led the way and the Gophers beat Illinois 25-17 earning their first Big Ten win of the season. Minnesota got back to running the ball and did so to the tune of 292 yards against Illinois. Gaping holes created by the offensive line and a combination of Koby McCrary and Rodney Smith gashed the Illini defense for 153 and 104 yards respectively.
The opening Gopher drive was one of precision and it appeared the Gopher offense would have no trouble putting up points on this defense all afternoon. The first drive went 72 yards in 8 plays and ended with a Demry Croft to Tyler Johnson 8-yard touchdown pass.