Minneapolis – While the rest of the Illini struggled in Saturday’s 45-0 loss to Minnesota, punter Steve Weatherford had one of his best games of the season.

Weatherford had eight punts for an average of 46.5 yards, improving his season average and keeping him on track to break the single-season punting record he set last year.

“I knew it was definitely going to be a positive for my game, not having to deal with the elements,” Weatherford said. “As far as punting, this is specialist’s paradise right here.”

Against Michigan in Champaign on Oct. 16, Weatherford faced wind gusts up to 35 mph – a stark contrast to the still conditions in the enclosed Metrodome.

Head coach Ron Turner said Weatherford’s performance was the one positive he could take away from Saturday’s game.

“I just go out there; I don’t think of myself as one of the more powerful players on the team, but I do go out there and try to change field position,” Weatherford said.

Like father, like son

Running back Marion Barber III led Minnesota’s rushing game Saturday, logging 138 yards on 11 carries. Barber also scored two touchdowns rushing, including a 44-yard run in the second quarter.

The touchdowns, his 33rd and 34th, moved him into a second-place tie on the Gophers’ career rushing touchdown list.

The other Gopher in second place is Barber’s father, Marion Barber Jr.

Quarterback still in question

Last week, Turner kept everyone guessing who would be Illinois’ starting quarterback against Minnesota. He said this week’s starter may not fill the role next week.

“It doesn’t matter if we don’t run the ball better,” Turner said. “If we don’t block better and we don’t run the football better, then it really doesn’t matter.”

Redshirt freshman Brad Bower started for the Illini Saturday, completing 14-of-20 passes. Bower also rushed nine times for 39 yards.

Minnesota cooling off

The Gophers faced the Illini after dropping two straight conference games, removing them from Big Ten title contention.

Minnesota lost to Michigan 27-24 on Oct. 9, and Michigan State 51-17 on Oct. 16.

“They had their hangover last week and they’re too good of a football team to have it two weeks in a row,” Turner said. “We knew they were going to come out and play a good game.”

Quote of the Game

“I’ve got a great relationship with Coach Turner, and I try not to listen to those types of things. When I talk to Coach Turner it’s about football; it’s about my life and what’s going on in school and things like that. So I’ve got a great relationship with him. He knows what’s best for me; he gave me a chance to play on defense.I don’t really listen to the criticism about him; I think he’s a great coach.”

– senior defensive back Morris Virgil on concerns that Ron Turner’s job is in jeopardy