Whack-A-Gopher here

QUARTERBACKS

Check to Minnesota

It's a close call. Both starting quarterbacks have struggled most of the season. And both starting quarterbacks are coming off good games. Adam Weber threw five touchdown passes last Saturday against Michigan State and seems to play better at home.

RUNNING BACKS

Check to Illinois

Of course, Terry Hawthorne is getting a lot of credit for the win against Michigan. But sophomore Mikel Leshoure did his share too, rumbling 70 yards for the lead touchdown. He appears to be the school's go-to back, something Illinois hasn't had since Rashard Mendenhall left.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Check to Illinois

Welcome back to Jeff Cumberland, who thrived against Michigan as a tight end. Count on Williams to look for Cumberland today, especially near the end zone. It's impossible for the Gophers to replace star Eric Decker, who had 50 catches before being lost for the season because of a foot injury.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Check to Illinois

Both units rate at the bottom of the Big Ten in protecting the quarterback. But the Illini line might be coming together with freshman Hugh Thornton finding his way at right tackle. The Illini do a better job creating holes for the running backs, while the Gophers are last in the league in rushing.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Check to Illinois

Neither group has done much in the way of causing havoc in the backfield, ranking near the bottom of the Big Ten in sacks. But with Corey Liuget returning to health, the Illini line has a chance to get after Weber today. The Gophers won't have as much luck with Williams, who has more mobility.

LINEBACKERS Check to Minnesota

The Gophers have more experience, starting three seniors. And Lee Campbell ranks among the Big Ten's best 10.7 tackles per game, which is tied for 10th nationally. Illini sophomore Ian Thomas is getting better each week and should be a force when Martez Wilson returns in 2010.

SECONDARY

Check to Minnesota

The two teams are about even in yards allowed per game. But the Gophers do a better job creating turnovers. They have seven interceptions to just three for Illinois, which ranks 114th in the nation. Minnesota's Marcus Sherels is among the Big Ten's best at defending passes.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Check to Minnesota

Ron Zook called the special teams a strength for the Gophers. Minnesota leads the nation in punt returns and is eighth in net punting. The Gophers are 22nd in the nation in kickoff returns. Illinois punter Anthony Santella is coming off his best game of the season.

COACHING

Check to Illinois

The changes on the two coaching staffs have contributed to the struggles. Third-year coach Tim Brewster has his team one win away from bowl eligibility. That will make it two years in a row. Ron Zook's team needs to win out to get him his second bowl bid in five years.

PREDICTION

Check to Minnesota

Had Illinois played all season the way it did against Michigan, it would be the pick here. But last Saturday's win might not be the start of a trend. Weber has another big game and the Gophers hold on for a 35-28 victory. (N-G record: 5-3).