It’s Week Nine of the college football season and while most of the nation is focused on the four teams that will be chosen for the inaugural College Football Playoff, here in Champaign, patience is running thin. Illinois is coming off a bye week after falling to Wisconsin, while the visiting Minnesota Golden Gophers cracked the USA Today Coach’s Poll at No. 24. Here are three matchups to keep an eye out for as Tim Beckman looks for his second-ever Big Ten win halfway through his third season as the Illini head coach.  

David Cobb vs. Illinois rushing defense

Minnesota is a one-dimensional team — they average 222.4 rushing yards per game. Senior halfback David Cobb is a big reason why, having rushed for 1,013 yards and five touchdowns. Yet, as Illinois’ performance against Wisconsin showed, the Illini defense can be beat even if they know what their opponent will do. 

Linebacker Damien Wilson vs. Illinois offense 

Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill has called Wilson an “NFL-ready player,” and his stats thus far show why: 37 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Expect the Big Ten’s leading tackler to be all over the field chasing running back Josh Ferguson and Illini quarterbacks.  

Homecoming festivities vs. the crowd

Illinois football is not inspiring a big fanbase this homecoming weekend, especially with the volleyball team playing as well as it is. With so many more festivities, just how large of a crowd will show for the an 11 A.M. kickoff? Perhaps the new “Galloping Ghost” uniforms will fill up the seats? If you’re going to lose, why not look cool doing so?

Erik can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter @e_prada.