Illinois Football: 3 key numbers for the Illini to beat Minnesota

32.8

This is a defense-heavy article because the defense is what has carried and will continue to carry the Illinois football team for the 2022 campaign.

On Saturday, the Illini are going up against a tough Minnesota team that can do everything well. They are 4-1 with their only loss to Purdue, but Minnesota was without their starting running back in that game.

This season, the Golden Gophers have had an offense that can put up points. In fact, they are one of the best offenses in the country. Minnesota is averaging 32.8 points per game in 2022, which ranks No. 34 in the nation. Illinois cannot give up nearly that many points, and that is why this is a key number for the game.

Minnesota is honestly a one-trick pony, though. Their pass offense is sub-80 in the nation, but their run offense is great with Mohamed Ibrahim leading the way in the backfield. He is the reason they are in the top 40 in scoring.

The Golden Gophers are going up against a tough Illinois defense, though. The Illini are only giving up 9.6 points per game, which ranks No. 2 in the country.

No matter what, Minnesota needs to be held to fewer than 32.8 points. I believe Illinois needs to hold them to fewer than 20 points if we want to win the game. This is going to be a tough task, but I trust this Illinois defense to come through.