Illinois Football: Three Golden Gophers to Watch

With four games remaining, Illinois Football has a clear path to reach double-digit wins for the first time in 23 seasons. Their first test? The Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Minnesota, currently 5-3 (3-2), is on track to clinch a sixth consecutive bowl game under head coach P.J. Fleck. However, the No. 24 Fighting Illini pose a serious test, as Minnesota’s toughest competition thus far has been Michigan (a 27-24 loss) and Iowa (a 34-14 loss). Illinois must win out if they wnt to keep that dream of 10 wins alive.

Who could get in the way of a much-needed win for the Illini? Here are the three key Golden Gophers to watch in this crucial matchup.

Oct 12, 2024; Credit: Robert Hanashiro -Imagn Images

Darius Taylor – RB

Running back Darius Taylor has been the workhorse of Fleck’s offense.

Coming off of a hamstring injury, which sidelined him for 7 games in 2023, Taylor has since arrived on the scene in the Big Ten. With 513 total yards on a hefty 104 carries, the Gophers versatile back therefore boasts an average of 4.9 yards per attempt. The surging Gophers offense has controlled game tempo with their dominant rushing attack, forcing defenses into 2nd and short – 3rd and manageable situations.

The Illini front 7 certainly needs to get pressure on senior quarterback Max Brosmer. However, the priority focus needs to be keying in on Taylor, and forcing Minnesota’s offense to beat the Illini through the air. In all 3 of the Golden Gophers losses, opposing defenses held Taylor to fewer than 40 yards total per game. (North Carolina  – Out, Michigan – 36 yards, Iowa – 34 yards)

Taylor ran for 81 yards and a score against Maryland last week, and will have momentum coming into Champaign on Saturday.

Jah Joyner – EDGE

Jah Joyner stands out as Minnesota’s top pass rusher. At 6’5″ and 265 pounds, Joyner has notched 10 solo tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble for the Golden Gophers so far.

Illinois Football has had an up-and-down season in the trenches and has struggled with inconsistency on the offensive line. While the recent improvement in the run game is a positive sign, the O-line has sometimes been outmatched. After a rough loss to Oregon, it’s crucial for Illinois’ offensive front to keep Luke Altmyer clean, and give him the stability he needs to bounce back from a rough game in Eugene.

Joyner is a serious threat Illini fans should keep an eye on. If he starts getting home, Illinois could find themselves in trouble.

Daniel Jackson – WR

When the Golden Gophers’ run game gains momentum, it opens up more chances in their passing attack. At that point, Illinois Football will need to keep an eye on Brosmer targeting senior wide receiver Daniel Jackson.

As Minnesota’s top receiver, Jackson has racked up 568 yards and 3 touchdowns on 51 receptions this season, averaging 11.1 yards per catch. He’s a crucial piece in helping Minnesota sustain drives, and move the chains once defenses stiffen up front. After a few injuries to Illinois’ secondary against the top-ranked Ducks, the question is: can the Illini contain Jackson? Head Coach Bret Bielema noted that most defensive backs should be back by game day. However, any lingering injuries to the Illini secondary could certainly impact Saturday’s result.

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