The Illini defense held strong at the goalline and this was the difference in the game. Minnesota had to settle for 2 short field goals instead of getting touchdowns. At the end, a failed 2pt conversion sealed the game for Illinois.
Minnesota was able to run the ball and move down the field at the beginning of the game. They ended up with a nice 31 yd run by Taylor. However, the kickoff after the TD was a disaster and Illinois ran it back to the house to tie the game. Minnesota continued to move the ball down the field, but stalled near the goalline and had to settle for a short FG. Illinois moved down the field and took the lead late in the first half to go up 14-10 at the half.
Minnesota, again, was stopped near the goalline and had to settle for the chip shot FG to make it 14-13. Illinois then moved down the field and looked to score a TD only to have it reviewed and showed them short. On 4 and 1 from the 1, Illinois converted to make it 21-13. Minnesota moved the ball through the air and made a key 4th down conversion to extend the drive. With about 50 seconds left, Minnesota scored a TD and was a 2pt conversion away from a tie. The Illini defense was ready and rushed in and stopped Brosmer from getting the pass off. Illinois ran out the clock to seal the victory.
GG man! Best of luck!
1st Quarter
Minn - Taylor 31 yd run
ILL - Wilcher 98 yd KO return
2nd Quarter
Minn - 23 yd FG by Kesich
ILL - Swanson 7 yd run
3rd Quarter
Minn - 25 yd FG by Kesich
4th Quarter
ILL - Swanson 1 yd run
Minn - Brockington 6 yd pass from Brosmer (2pt conversion failed)
Illinois picked up their first win this season on the road against a tough Minnesota team.
Luke Altmeyer has struggled as of late and all eyes were on him, as talks coming out of Champaign was that Cal Swanson was playing well in practice and could step in if Altmeyer struggles. It didn’t take long for Coach Hail to make the decision to give the freshman QB a shot.
Minnesota opened up the game strong and marched down the field capped off by a 31 yard run by Darius Taylor who gashed the Illini ground defense all day. The ensuing kickoff had Kenari Wilcher take the KO 98 yards to the house showcasing a much needed playmaker on this struggling Illini team.
Minnesota was able to move the ball at will against this Illini defense however Illinois was able to make key stops on the goal line holding Minnesota to 3. Illinois answered back by driving the field and capped it off with a 7 yard TD run by speedy QB Swanson. His first of two on the day.
None more important than the second. After a booth review called a questionable spot it put Illinois at the 1yard line with just over two minutes remaining up 1 at 14-13. Under heavy pressure Hail decided to go for it and Cal Swanson came up big with a QB sneak to put Illinois up 8 late.
Minnesota was not done however and made timely plays and two great play calls on 3rd and long and 4th and long to extend the drive. Minnesota answered with a TD with 49 seconds to play to pull Minnesota within 2. On the ensuing 2pt try, Illinoi sold out and created havoc in the backfield and was able to stop Brosmers pass.
Illinois garnered a first down on the ensuing drive and was able to clock the ball for their first win of the season.
When asked about his faith in the young QB Swanson, Coach Hail stated “We are here to win, whoever gives us the best chance and doing so will be in the game”. All eyes remained fixed on Champaign-Urbana to see who will win this new QB battle going forward for Illinois.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:
WHOS ONLINE:
16 Guests in the last 5 minutes Legend: NDL Admin | Conference Commish | Media Team | NDL Coaches
NDL Hall of Fame:
664 Coaches Newest Member: OracleHCR
HOME
Discord