The Illini (6-2, 3-2) only have four games left in the season, and all four games are very winnable. This weekend, the team returns to Memorial Stadium for one of its final home games to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-3, 3-2).
Despite home-field advantage, the Illini are not favored to win this game. The Gophers are on a three-game win streak, and it will take a lot of effort to crush their momentum. The Illini haven’t been used to losing this year, especially at home. With that, Saturday’s game will be a testament to the team’s ability to respond after a nearly 30-point road loss.
Thinking of the past, looking to the future
“We know who Minnesota is and what they’re all about,” head coach Bret Bielema said earlier this week. “Another rematch game for us, so it’s another great opportunity for us to get where we need to be … I do think there’s still a lot of positives that we’ve accomplished and a lot of good things ahead of us in the future.”
Around this time last season, the Illini forced a one-point win over the Gophers in Minnesota. Both teams look very different this year, with different quarterbacks and key receivers. But the Illini hope they can pull off another victory no matter how tight the scoring margin is. The Illini must do what they did last season against the Gophers — come out strong with a purpose.
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Illinois scored 14 points in the first quarter against Minnesota in 2023. If Illinois can get on the board early and establish itself as the dominant offense early in the game, this will be a massive momentum boost for the team. Also, it would be a huge step up from the previous game, considering Illinois only scored three points in the first half against Oregon.
Finishing what they start
Illinois has struggled on third down the entire season; it was apparent in the game against Oregon. For fans and the athletes themselves, frustration kicks in hard when they’re unable to finish what they started. This weekend, a lot of that comes down to the run game.
“I want to make sure we run the ball consistently,” Bielema said. “To win games in the Big Ten, you got to run the ball, defend the run and cover kicks.”
The Gophers have averaged 108 rushing yards per game this season. The Illini are more than capable of slowing these efforts since they have guys like junior linebackers Gabe Jacas and Dylan Rosiek, who are quick to tackle rushers.
On the other hand, the Illini must act smart on offense, especially in crunch-time situations like third-down drives. Last week, the Illini failed to get any movement going on offense. This weekend, they can give themselves a boost if they run the ball strategically and convert on downs. Whether through short bursts by sophomore running back Aidan Laughery or strides up the middle by junior quarterback Luke Altmyer, the Illini must amplify their run game for maximum success.
Listening, learning, performing
“Communication is a two-way street,” Bielema said. “When they’re telling you things, you gotta be able to understand it and hear it. I just think that Luke has got so much respect, not only in the locker room but in the coach’s meeting room. What he says carries a lot of weight, and I think because of that, we have to be very conscientious of what he’s trying to tell us during the course of the week.”
The Illini have thrived this season because of the relationships they’ve established with one another. The players trust the coaching staff and vice versa. When a player has a concern, the coaches listen. When the coaches give instructions, the players follow.
Trust and confidence are two major elements the program prides itself on. Even with rough performances last week, the coaching staff trusts its players to play their hearts out. This weekend will be a sign of hope for the Illini. If they can come out and perform with strength, energy and enthusiasm, there’s a good chance they’ll pull out a seventh win of the season.
@tess_eken
