SB Nation Minnesota - Minnesota vs. Illinois: Gophers get bowl eligibility with 17-3 victoryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48959/mn-fave.png2012-11-11T18:47:02-06:00http://minnesota.sbnation.com/rss/stream/33919212012-11-11T18:47:02-06:002012-11-11T18:47:02-06:00Minnesota suffers two center injuries in win
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The Golden Gophers had to battle through injuries on their offensive line to beat Illinois on Saturday.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> lost their top-two centers due to injury in their 17-3 win over Illinois on Saturday. Zach Mottla is out for the year after injuring his leg and being carted off the field in the fourth quarter, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twincities.com/gophers/ci_21976445/minnesota-gophers-jerry-kill-majorly-concerned-about-center">according to twincities.com</a>. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/131985/jon-christenson" class="sbn-auto-link">Jon Christenson</a>, the starter, suffered a high ankle sprain.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113984/zac-epping" class="sbn-auto-link">Zac Epping</a> moved over from his guard position to finish out the game at center. Minnesota head coach Jerry Kill felt fortunate that Epping was able to handle snapping duties, and twincities.com noted:</p>
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<p>"Going through three centers and winning a game -- that's unheard of," Kill said. "That gives (offensive coordinator/offensive line coach) Matt Limegrover a lot of credit for making sure we've been snapping all three of those guys. That's more amazing to me than anything, that we can use three centers in one game. Usually, you don't even travel three centers. We just happened to have a guard that can snap."</p>
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<p>Minnesota was able to still do enough on offense to pull out the victory. The Gophers came through with two touchdowns in the second half to pull away and win comfortably, even with the injuries along the offensive line.</p>
<p>The win over the Illini was the sixth of the season for Minnesota, making them bowl eligible. The Golden Gophers have not played in the postseason since the 2009 Insight Bowl.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2012/11/11/3633054/college-football-injuriesCraig Powers2012-11-11T14:05:21-06:002012-11-11T14:05:21-06:00Oregon the new No. 1 in the AP poll
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>With Alabama losing to Texas A&M, Oregon took over as the No. 1 team in the Associated Press top 25. Three Big Ten teams were ranked in the latest top 25.</p> <p>For the first time since the preseason poll was released, Alabama is not the No. 1 team in the Associated Press top 25. The Crimson Tide dropped to No. 4 after losing to Texas A&M while Oregon moved up to the top spot.</p>
<p>At 6-4, Minnesota is still a win or two shy of top 25 consideration, but five Big Ten teams did receive votes in this week's poll. Ohio State, who was off on a bye week, dropped one spot to No. 6. The Buckeyes were tied with Georgia for the No. 5 spot last week but fell behind the Bulldogs this week.</p>
<p>Nebraska improved to 8-2 with a win against Penn State on Saturday and the Cornhuskers moved up two spots to No. 16. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a> are the third Big Ten team in the top 25 as they moved back into the rankings at No. 23. Wisconsin and Northwestern also received votes in this week's poll.</p>
<p>Here is this week's <a target="_blank" href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/polls/ap/?xid=sbnation">AP Top 25</a>:</p>
<table width="303" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" border="2">
<colgroup>
<col width="37">
<col width="112">
<col width="50">
<col width="43">
<col width="61">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr height="20">
<td width="37" height="20"><b>Rank</b></td>
<td width="112"><b>Team</b></td>
<td width="50"><b>Record</b></td>
<td width="43"><b>Votes</b></td>
<td width="61"><b>Previous</b></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">1</td>
<td>Oregon (45)</td>
<td>10-0</td>
<td>1,485</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">2</td>
<td>Kansas State (14)</td>
<td>10-0</td>
<td>1,451</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">3</td>
<td>Notre Dame (1)</td>
<td>10-0</td>
<td>1,382</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">4</td>
<td>Alabama</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>1,259</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">5</td>
<td>Georgia</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>1,223</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">6</td>
<td>Ohio State</td>
<td>10-0</td>
<td>1,212</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">7</td>
<td>Florida</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>1,089</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">8</td>
<td>LSU</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>1,046</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">9</td>
<td>Texas A&M</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>1,031</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">10</td>
<td>Florida State</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>1,024</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">11</td>
<td>Clemson</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>907</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">12</td>
<td>South Carolina</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>848</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">13</td>
<td>Oklahoma</td>
<td>7-2</td>
<td>798</td>
<td>14</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">14</td>
<td>Stanford</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>766</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">15</td>
<td>Oregon State</td>
<td>7-2</td>
<td>556</td>
<td>13</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">16</td>
<td>Nebraska</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>549</td>
<td>18</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">17</td>
<td>UCLA</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>541</td>
<td>17</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">18</td>
<td>Texas</td>
<td>8-2</td>
<td>496</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">19</td>
<td>Louisiana Tech</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>374</td>
<td>19</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">20</td>
<td>Louisville</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>322</td>
<td>11</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">21</td>
<td>USC</td>
<td>7-3</td>
<td>297</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">22</td>
<td>Rutgers</td>
<td>8-1</td>
<td>179</td>
<td>24</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">23</td>
<td>Michigan</td>
<td>7-3</td>
<td>135</td>
<td>NR</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">23</td>
<td>Texas Tech</td>
<td>7-3</td>
<td>135</td>
<td>25</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20">
<td height="20">25</td>
<td>Kent State</td>
<td>9-1</td>
<td>93</td>
<td>NR</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Others Receiving Votes: Oklahoma State 79, Northern Illinois 77, Mississippi State 48, Wisconsin 26, UCF 16, Boise State 14, Arizona 6, Fresno State 6, Cincinnati 6, TCU 5, San Jose State 4, Utah State 4, Tulsa 4, San Diego State 3, Northwestern 2, Toledo 1, Washington 1</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2012/11/11/3631818/college-football-rankings-2012-week-12-ap-top-25Mark Sandritter2012-11-11T12:31:05-06:002012-11-11T12:31:05-06:00Big Ten with 2 teams in Coaches' Poll
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Two teams from the Big Ten are ranked in the top 25 of the latest Coaches' Poll.</p> <p>With their 17-3 win against Illinois on Saturday, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> became bowl eligible at 6-4, but are still on the outside of the latest USA Today Coaches' Poll.</p>
<p>The Gophers were not among the teams receiving votes, although one 6-4 team did receive votes so it is possible Minnesota could move into the discussion if they pickup another win next week. Northwestern was ranked in the top 25 last week, but the Wildcats dropped out of the rankings after losing to Michigan on Saturday.</p>
<p>Once again, Nebraska was the top ranked Big Ten team. After moving to 8-2, the Cornhuskers moved up two spots in the rankings this week and are now No. 14. With its win against Northwestern, Michigan moved back into the rankings, coming in at No. 23.</p>
<p>Wisconsin and Northwestern both received votes this week, with Wisconsin just outside the top 25 at No. 27. After being ranked No. 21 last week, Northwestern dropped to No. 33 this week. The complete top 25 can be found below.</p>
<p>1. Oregon<br>2. Kansas State<br>3. Notre Dame<br>4. Georgia<br>5. Alabama<br>6. Florida State<br>7. Florida<br>8. LSU<br>9. Clemson<br>10. Texas A&M<br>11. South Carolina<br>12. Oklahoma<br>13. Stanford<br>14. Nebraska<br>15. Texas<br>16. UCLA<br>17. Oregon State<br>18. Louisville<br>19. La. Tech<br>20. Rutgers<br>21. USC<br>22. Boise State<br>23. Michigan<br>24. Oklahoma State<br>25. Texas Tech</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2012/11/11/3631422/ncaa-football-rankings-2012-week-12-coaches-pollMark Sandritter2012-11-11T11:11:11-06:002012-11-11T11:11:11-06:00Golden Gophers are bowl-eligible
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<figcaption>Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Minnesota's 17-3 win over Illinois Saturday makes the Gophers bowl-eligible.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> improved to 6-4 with a 17-3 win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/illinois-fighting-illini" class="sbn-auto-link">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> on Saturday. It was the team's second win in their last three games, a nice rebound from a three-game losing streak the team was on in September and October. But more importantly, the Illinois win made Minnesota bowl-eligible, something that Minnesota's SB Nation blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2012/11/10/3629276/minnesota-golden-gophers-football-bowl-bound-and-it-feels-so-good">the Daily Gopher is very excited about</a>.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>"There have been plenty of ups and downs to contend with as a Gopher fan in recent seasons," the blog states. "Which is why I don't feel awkward at all about celebrating this team's accomplishment. Let the haters and naysayers blab their "mediocre bowl" nonsense. This team was not expected to do this well but they did it anyhow. This is a team that has gotten bowl eligible despite playing with an injury depleted roster, moving to a true frosh QB halfway through the year, and on and on with the obstacles. This is a big step for the program's momentum. We all know that this isn't a great football team yet. But that doesn't mean we can't enjoy this."</p>
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<p>Minnesota finishes its season with games against Nebraska on the road and Michigan State at home.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2012/11/11/3631130/illinois-minnesota-2012-reactionPatrick Hayes2012-11-10T17:56:56-06:002012-11-10T17:56:56-06:00Minnesota tops Illinois, 17-3
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<figcaption>US Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The Minnesota Golden Gophers pulled off a 17-3 victory over the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113967/donnell-kirkwood" class="sbn-auto-link">Donnell Kirkwood</a> was the deciding factor for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers" class="sbn-auto-link">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a>, scoring a pair of rushing touchdowns in a 17-3 win over the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/illinois-fighting-illini" class="sbn-auto-link">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> on Saturday. Kirkwood scored from 3 yards out near the end of the third quarter to break a 3-3 tie, and found the end zone in the final two minutes of the game to put it out of reach.</p>
<p>The Illini held a 3-0 lead heading into the second quarter after <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113696/nick-immekus" class="sbn-auto-link">Nick Immekus</a> kicked a 20-yard field goal, but Minnesota soon matched it with a 20-yard field goal of its own, from Jordan Wetstein. Both drives stalled out just at the goal line.</p>
<p>But it was Minnesota that found the end zone first, and that sealed the win. Illinois had a costly fumble near the end of the game that set Minnesota up with its second touchdown, which put the game out of reach. The team hadn't shown any pop on offense prior to that drive, but essentially handed over the win with that one.</p>
<p><b>Box Score Hero: </b>Donnell Kirkwood was the player to watch in this one, carrying the ball 28 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns, good for a per-carry average of 5.4 yards. He was part of a Minnesota rushing attack that had 231 yards total, and out-gained Illinois' rushing attack of 101 yards by himself.</p>
<p><b>Rankings Ramifications:</b> Neither team stands any chance of being ranked, and both have poor records within the Big Ten. Minnesota now has a 2-4 record within the conference and a 6-4 record overall, while Illinois is 0-6 within the Big Ten.</p>
<p><b>But Did They Cover? </b>Minnesota was a narrow favorite in this one, being favored by 3 points at the most, according to SB Nation's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/odds">NCAA Football odds</a> page. They covered just fine, though the game didn't get anywhere near the over/under of about 45 points.</p>
<p><b>Next Week's Schedule: </b>Minnesota will take on No. 16 Nebraska Nov. 17, while Illinois will host Pudue on the same day.</p>
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https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2012/11/10/3628914/minnesota-vs-illinois-final-score-recapJames Brady2012-11-10T17:43:56-06:002012-11-10T17:43:56-06:00Minnesota At Illinois: Kirkwood Ices It
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> took advantage of a huge turnover by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/illinois-fighting-illini">Illinois Fighting Illini</a>, and it appears as though they're on their way to a bowl for the first time since 2009.</p>
<p>The Illini forced the Gophers to punt the ball away and took possession on their own 20-yard line with 3:18 remaining. Facing a 3rd-and-inches at their own 29-yard line, Illinois quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75932/nathan-scheelhaase">Nathan Scheelhaase</a> attempted a quarterback sneak to convert for the Illini. He was stood up at the line, and attempted to stick the ball over the pile. In the process of doing so, however, the ball was knocked out of his hands by Minnesota linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77110/mike-rallis">Mike Rallis</a>. The ball found its way into the hands of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132004/derrick-wells">Derrick Wells</a>, who took the ball down to the Illinois 19-yard line.</p>
<p>Running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113967/donnell-kirkwood">Donnell Kirkwood</a> handled things for Minnesota from there, as the Gophers handed him the ball three times in a row. On the third carry, a third-and-3 from the Illinois 12, Kirkwood made a couple of Illini defenders miss and went into the end zone for his second touchdown of the day. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113976/jordan-wettstein">Jordan Wettstein's</a> extra point made the score 17-3 in favor of the Gophers.</p>
<p>This means that the Gophers are going bowling for the first time since they lost the 2009 Insight Bowl to the Iowa State Cyclones by a score of 14-13. With the Big Ten being unable to fill all of its bowl slots thanks to Ohio State and Penn State being on probation from post-season play, the Gophers should get a fairly nice spot on the bowl ladder, too.</p>
<p>The game has just ended in Champaign, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers have defeated the Illinois Fighting Illini by a score of 17-3. We'll have a full recap for you coming soon.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2012/11/10/3628886/minnesota-at-illinois-kirkwood-ices-it-for-minnesotaChristopher Gates2012-11-10T16:53:04-06:002012-11-10T16:53:04-06:00Minnesota At Illinois: Donnell Kirkwood Scores
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<p>It took nearly three full quarters of game play, but we finally have a touchdown in Champaign, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> have taken a lead over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/illinois-fighting-illini">Illinois Fighting Illini</a>.</p>
<p>After the teams exchanged punts to start the second half of play and Minnesota forced Illinois to punt on their second possession of the half as well, Minnesota started near midfield, and continued to show the ground game that has really been their only form of offense on the afternoon. The Gophers used freshman <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Roderick Williams</a> on their first four plays, three carries and a 7-yard completion, and found themselves at the Illinois 25-yard line. After a sack of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159863/philip-nelson">Philip Nelson</a> and a three-yard carry by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113967/donnell-kirkwood">Donnell Kirkwood</a>, Nelson found Brandon Green for a 13-yard gain to set up a fourth-and-one at the Illinois 16-yard line.</p>
<p>The Gophers went for it, and Nelson converted on a quarterback sneak to keep the football with Minnesota. After a personal foul on Illinois' Akeem Spence moved the ball to the Illinois' 5-yard line, the Donnell Kirkwood Show continued, and he eventually found his way into the end zone on second-and-three to give Minnesota the lead. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113976/jordan-wettstein">Jordan Wettstein</a> added the extra point, and the Gophers found themselves ahead 10-3.</p>
<p>Kirkwood has been outstanding this afternoon for Minnesota, amassing 109 yards on 18 carries to go along with his touchdown. As a team, the Gophers have rushed for 168 yards on the afternoon.</p>
<p>Just under two minutes to go in the third quarter of play, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers lead the Illinois Fighting Illini by a score of 10-3.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2012/11/10/3628718/minnesota-at-illinois-donnell-kirkwood-finds-pay-dirtChristopher Gates2012-11-10T16:07:02-06:002012-11-10T16:07:02-06:00Minnesota At Illinois: Barnburner In Champaign
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/minnesota-golden-gophers">Minnesota Golden Gophers</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/illinois-fighting-illini">Illinois Fighting Illini</a> are tied, 3-3, in Champaign as we go to the locker room at halftime.</p>
<p>The winds are gusting at the stadium this afternoon, and both teams have scored during the quarter where they had the wind at their back. Illinois converted a 20-yard field goal from Nick Immakus on the first drive of the game to give Illinois an early 3-0 lead. Minnesota eventually answered back, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113976/jordan-wettstein">Jordan Wettstein</a> having a 20-yard field goal of his own in the second quarter to tie the score at three, and that's where we stand right now.</p>
<p>The teams have been fairly evenly matched through the first half of play. Minnesota has picked up eight first downs so far, and has 145 yards of total offense. Illinois has seven first downs and 170 yards of total offense.</p>
<p>The star on offense so far for the Gophers has been running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113967/donnell-kirkwood">Donnell Kirkwood</a>. Kirkwood has 86 yards on 12 carries so far on the afternoon, including a big 38-yard burst to start the drive that led to Minnesota's lone score of the afternoon. Quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159863/philip-nelson">Philip Nelson</a> has struggled thus far, completing just 3-of-7 passes for 18 yards.</p>
<p>For Illinois, quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75932/nathan-scheelhaase">Nathan Scheelhaase</a> has completed 5-of-8 passes for 108 yards, nearly half of which came on a 49-yard flea flicker play to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113707/spencer-harris">Spencer Harris</a> on Illinois first drive. Donovan Young leads the Illini in rushing in the first half, with 28 yards on six carries.</p>
<p>Illinois has the lone turnover of the afternoon, as Scheelhaase had a fumble in Minnesota territory that was recovered by Roland Johnson, but the Gophers couldn't convert it into points.</p>
<p>That's where we stand at halftime in this one, with the Gophers needed a big second half in order to secure bowl eligibility for the first time since 2009. They currently stand tied with the Fighting Illini of Illinois at 3-3.</p>
https://minnesota.sbnation.com/minnesota-golden-gophers/2012/11/10/3628570/minnesota-at-illinois-halftime-barnburner-in-champaignChristopher Gates