The Minnesota Golden Gophers are now on a three game skid, losing all of their Big Ten games thus far. They are in desperate need of a bounce back win and this weekend presents a perfect opportunity for just such a bounce back. Homecoming weekend against the 2-4 Illinois Fighting Illini.
Fighting Illini To Watch
Receiver Ricky Smalling – The freshman wide receiver is off to a slow start, recording only 14 receptions and 272 yards this season with just one score. However, he has started to get hot over the last couple games, posting 111 yards last weekend against Rutgers. At 6’1″ and 205 pounds, he has the best size of anyone on their receiving corps to play a true X-receiver role. He is the heaviest of the six foot receivers, which helps him muscle out corners and make plays on the ball, while being tall enough to win the 50/50 ball. Watch out for an explosive play from Smalling, who averages 19.4 yards per catch.
Defensive Lineman James Crawford – The senior has been the most notable force on the Fighting Illini front so far this season. He leads the team in forced fumbles with two and quarterback hurries with three. He is second on the team in sacks with a two and has nine tackles. All that production in only the last three games, as Crawford was out the first three weeks. Now the versatile defender is back in the lineup causing problems, just like he did last season.
Quarterback Jeff George Jr. – The quarterback position has seen plenty of flux, much like the Gophers, but in three of the last four games, the sophomore George has been able to put together drives, throwing for over 200-yards in every game he has hit the field. While he does have a serious turnover problem – throwing seven interceptions in three games – he is the most productive quarterback they have right now.
This is a young roster that needs to grow even more than the Gophers. But there is still talent on the Fighting Illini roster, and the Gophers are in no position to underestimate an opponent. That said, the Gophers really need to win this game. More on the matchup to come.
