Minnesota Football: 2017 game-by-game predictions
By Shane Lunnen
Minnesota kicks of the second half of their season with perhaps their easiest game left on the schedule. Illinois comes to town for the Gophers’ Homecoming game.
In 2016, the Illini offense was terrible, finishing 123rd in the nation in total offense. Quarterback Wes Lunt is gone and there is a competition for who the starter will be this coming season. As it stands now, it looks like Junior Chayce Crouch will earn the starting job. Senior running back Kendrick Foster is back after he ran for 720 yards and found the endzone seven times last season. If he builds off that for more yards, the Illini could be a little better on offense this year.
For Lovie Smith being a defensive minded coach, the Illini defense was not good last year and does not look much better this year. Linebacker Tre Watson is the only big name on this defense right now and the entire front four needs replaced. Despite being young, the secondary could be a strength. Sophomore safeties Patrick Nelson and Stanley Green gained a lot of experience last year and should build off their freshman performances. Despite a few strengths, there is not a lot to like on this defense.
Minnesota should enjoy this one. Great offensive performances from the entire Gopher offense against a bad Illinois defense should be expected. This one should be over quickly and Minnesota will be given the opportunity to rest some of their starters to prepare for the final tough stretch of the season.