Gophers Use Running Game To Knock Off Undermanned Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Mohamed Ibrahim rushed for four touchdowns and Tanner Morgan threw for one more and Minnesota beat depleted Illinois 41-14.

Ibrahim now has back-to-back games in which he has scored four rushing touchdowns for Minnesota.

Illinois had 12 players out due to COVID-19 protocols and was down to fourth-string QB Coran Taylor. Starter Brandon Peters and backup Isaiah Washington are out, and third-string QB Matt Robinson remains unavailable after suffering a leg injury early in the Purdue game last week. One bright spot for Illinois was often-injured running back Mike Epstein, who rushed for 108 yards on 11 carries with one touchdown.