Minnesota Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2020 season

Game 3: at Illinois

Illinois is a tough team to look at. Was last year’s progress real or just a flash in the pan? This will be a good challenge to find out.

Last year, the Illini offense was good against bad defenses but struggled against top defenses. Seems reasonable. This year Illinois’ strength will be its running game, but the offensive line will need to improve and open up holes for the run game while allowing Brandon Peters more time.

Minnesota should be able to have its way with Illinois in the run game. The Illini gave up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground and this could be the breakout game for Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim. He’s shown he has the talent — 1,100 yards as a freshman and 600 last year — but this is the chance for Minnesota to establish their solid offensive line and run game as a threat.

Prediction: Minnesota 31, Illinois 13 (3-0)

Game 4: vs. Iowa

Iowa seems to be the general pick to win the Big Ten West. While it might not be the biggest rivalry on the schedule, it’s a must win.

Iowa has a lot going for it. As usual, the Hawkeye defense is expected to be good. They do have some needs on the defensive line, but as a whole a defense that gave up 14 points per game last year shouldn’t miss a beat.

On offense, Minnesota might have a hard time getting to the Iowa quarterback. The Hawkeyes have one of the best offensive lines in the country. It’s not out of the question to have three All-Americans on that group alone. Tyler Goodson burst into the scene with 638 yards as a freshman but really broke out against Minnesota last year.

This comes down to which defense can create more turnovers. When people make fun of the “ESPN 2 Noon” game, this is a stereotypical example. Expect a slow, plodding defensive slugfest. It’s hard to go against either team, but Minnesota has a slight edge at home.

Prediction: Iowa 14, Minnesota 17 (4-0)