Asmussen's Review-Preview

See what columnist Loren Tate had to say about Saturday's victory here.

Review

Every game has a defining moment when the outcome is established. Here is the play from Saturday's Illinois-Michigan game:

THE SITUATION

Illinois trails 13-7 early in the second half. After taking the lead on the opening drive of the game, the Illini had allowed Michigan to score 13 unanswered points. Having deferred after winning the coin toss, the Wolverines get the ball to start the second half.

THE PLAY

The Michigan drive starts on the 20. Carlos Brown loses 2 yards on first down. On the second play, quarterback Tate Forcier fumbles, but Michigan's David Moosman recovers for a 5-yard gain. The Wolverines face a third down and 7 at the 23. Rich Rodriguez orders a pass and Forcier looks to Roy Roundtree.

THE RESULT

The pass is perfect, Forcier hitting Roundtree in stride in the center of the field. Roundtree breaks a tackle attempt by Walter Aikens and is in the clear at midfield, about 10 yards in front of every Illinois defender. But freshman cornerback Terry Hawthorne doesn't give up on the play, taking off after Roundtree and quickly making up the gap. Hawthorne catches Roundtree near the end zone and tries to strip the ball while making the tackle. The ball pops out as Roundtree hits the ground. The officials signal for a touchdown, setting off a celebration on the Michigan sideline. But the play is reviewed by instant replay and Roundtree is called down at the 1.

THE OUTCOME

The Illinois defense stops the Wolverines on four consecutive runs, taking over at the 1. Hawthorne's rundown of Roundtree, which would have been inconsequential had Michigan scored, is suddenly the play of the day. And the year. Mikel Leshoure adds to the legacy, bopping 70 yards for the lead touchdown. The Illini pull away for their first win against a Division I-A school in a year and the second win against Michigan at Memorial Stadium since 1957.

THE RECORD (2-6)

Missouri 37 Illinois 9

Illinois 45 Illinois State 17

Ohio State 30 Illinois 0

Penn State 35 Illinois 17

Michigan State 24 Illinois 14

Indiana 27 Illinois 14

Purdue 24 Illinois 14

Illinois 38 Michigan 13

Saturday at Minnesota, 11 a.m.

Nov. 14 vs. Northwestern

Nov. 27 at Cincinnati

Dec. 5 vs. Fresno State, 11:30 a.m.

PREVIEW

Illinois travels to Minnesota on Saturday for its first look at TCF Bank Stadium. A quick read on the Gophers:

LAST GAME

Adam Weber played like he did in 2008, throwing for 416 yards in a home win against Michigan State. Weber, who had been in a season-long slump, threw five touchdown passes, including one ball that got tipped.

WHO TO WATCH

We would have told you receiver Eric Decker, but the senior star is out for the season with a sprained foot. So, go with tailback Duane Bennett, who leads the team in rushing and touchdowns. The former News-Gazette All-Stater from O'Fallon was on his way to a big 2008 season but tore up his knee in the second game. He is playing well in his return to the field and has three years left with the Gophers.

WHERE TO WATCH

It's back to the Big Ten Network for the Illini. It will be the fourth appearance on Jim Delany's favorite channel for Illinois. It was also on the network against Illinois State, Michigan State and Indiana. Matt Rosen is handling the play-by-play and Ron Johnson will serve as analyst.

REASON TO WATCH

It's another chance to catch up with former Illini tight end Tim Brewster, who is in his third season in charge of the Gophers. Last year's win at Illinois was the biggest of Brewster's young career and helped push the team into the postseason. The Gophers will need to win to get closer to the six wins needed for another bowl berth.

BY THE NUMBERS

Minnesota has won seven of the last nine games between the schools to take command in the overall series. The Gophers lead 32-27-3 and have a 19-11-2 edge in Minneapolis. Before the current run by Minnesota, Illinois had gone 9-1-1 in the previous 11 games.

THE RECORD (5-4)

Minnesota 23 Syracuse 20

Minnesota 20 Air Force 13

California 35 Minnesota 21

Minnesota 35 Northwestern 24

Wisconsin 31 Minnesota 28

Minnesota 35 Purdue 20

Penn State 20 Minnesota 0

Ohio State 38 Minnesota 7

Minnesota 42 Michigan State 34

Saturday vs. Illinois

Nov. 14 vs. South Dakota State

Nov. 21 at Indiana

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