Illinois Football: Is Minnesota Illini's Best Chance To Secure Bowl Eligibility?

WHEN: SATURDAY @ 12 PM EST

TV: BIG TEN NETWORK

The answer is yes.

The Illinois Fighting Illini are one win away from being bowl eligible and have three chances left to do it.

Their final two games of the season are on the road against Northwestern at Wrigley Field and at Fresno State.

Although Illinois defeating both of those opponents is not out of the picture, the Fighting Illini should ensure bowl eligibility this week.

Tomorrow’s game against the lowly Minnesota Golden Gophers is a must win for Illinois in their final home game of the season.

The Fighting Illini are looking to put on one last show in Champaign and finish the home portion of their 2010 season with an impressive 5-1 record.

Minnesota ranks towards the bottom of the Big Ten in virtually every offensive and defensive category.

Last week, redshirt freshman quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase was named Big Ten freshman of the week, while Mikel Leshoure shared the title of Big Ten offensive player of the week with Michigan’s Roy Roundtree.

Add in the pain the Illinois defense suffered last week, allowing 676 yards of offense and 67 points to Michigan, and Fighting Illini fans should anticipate a blowout of the Golden Gophers.

Despite losing last week, the Illinois’ offense exploded for 65 points and 561 yards of offense against the Big Ten’ worst defense.

Now facing the Big Ten’s second worst defense, expect another offensive show against the Golden Gophers, in particular on the ground.

Through the first nine games, Leshoure has rushed for 900 yards and nine touchdowns. 

Now facing a Big Ten defense that allows 200.5 rushing yards per game, No. 5 for the Illini should explode and put up numbers that could win him another Big Ten offensive player of the week award.

Illinois will add to the suffering that Minnesota has endured this season by beating them in Champaign, and more importantly, become bowl eligible for the first time since 2007.

BOLD PREDICTION: ILLINOIS 45…MINNESOTA 10