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Illinois 35, Minnesota 32: A quick read

Check out stats from Saturday's game here

STORY OF THE GAME

Illinois has a pass rush. Bet you didn't know that before Saturday. Of course, the team had 63 percent as many sacks Saturday (seven) as it had all season (11). The Illini made Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber uncomfortable in the pocket for most of the game. He completed just 45 percent of his passes.

NUMBERS GAME

2-1

That's the Illinois record against Minnesota during the Tim Brewster era, with both wins coming in Minneapolis. There are clearly not great feelings between the two team. The Illini got a couple of unnecessary shots from the Gophers and gave a couple too. If the teams played every year, it could turn into a problem. But after next year's visit to C-U by the Gophers, the teams take a two-year break.

WHAT IT MEANS

Illinois has won consecutive Big Ten games. Before Saturday, that hadn't happened since 2007 wins against Northwestern and Ohio State. If the Illini take a third next Saturday, they are pretty much assured of finishing out of the Big Ten basement. Who would have guessed that after the loss at Purdue?

WHAT'S NEXT

Fired up Northwestern visits Memorial Stadium a week after ending Iowa's hopes for a BCS title spot. The plucky would love nothing more than to end Illinois' bowl hopes. That's not all the teams are playing for. The winner will get the first-ever Land of Lincoln Trophy, which will be unveiled this week. It replaces the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk, which stays forever in Evanston.

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